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Col. Kelly Padden, 377th Mission Support Group incoming commander, receives her first salute from the 377th MSG during a change of command ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 3, 2025. The 377th MSG is responsible for providing combat-ready support to KAFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Amn Alenne Mojica).

377th Mission Support Group Welcomes New Commander Col. Kelly Padden

Published June 4, 2025

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

Col. Kelly Padden assumed command of the 377th Mission Support Group during a change of command ceremony June 3, on Kirtland Air Force Base.

Padden assumed command from Col. Jason Okumura, who commanded the group from July 2023 to June 2025.

The ceremony was hosted by Col. Michael Power, 377th Air Base Wing and installation commander, and marked the formal transition of leadership for one of the installation's key support units.

The 377th Mission Support Group provides critical base services including civil engineering, communications, logistics, and personnel support to more than 25,000 military, civilian personnel at Kirtland.

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