Last tanker maintenance commander relinquishes command in Grand Forks

Published Oct. 14, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Rachel Waller
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Lt. Col. Korwin Miike, 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, relinquished command of the 319th AMXS to Col. Henry Polczer, 319th Operations Group commander, during a relinquishment of command ceremony Oct. 14 at Hanger 605 here.

The relinquishment of command brings the base one step closer to the air refueling mission being complete as the base continues its transition to remotely piloted aircraft.

"When Colonel Miike took control of the squadron back in the spring of 2008, the pace was hectic and the challenges immense," said Colonel Polczer. "There were 36 tails on the ramp that had to be ready at a moment's notice to go anywhere at any time, and they were. It was achieved with the ever shrinking pool of crew chiefs and maintainers to get the job done."

As the 319th AMXS commander, Colonel Miike merged aircraft inspection processes, shortening heavy repair down times and combining tool rooms, saving the Air Force thousands of dollars.

"I want to say thank you to the Grand Forks maintainers," said Colonel Miike. "I salute you guys. You have done an awesome job and it has been an absolute honor to serve with you."

Colonel Miike is going to the Air Mobility Command Headquarters at Scott AFB, Ill.

The 319th Maintenance Group will continue their work until the last KC-135 Stratotanker leaves in December and mission complete is declared.

"We still have a job to do, let's finish strong," said Colonel Polczer.