"The 460th Space Wing is an exceptionally talented and innovative team, a team whose mission is global and critical to ensuring the space superiority of our nation," said Whiting.
While visiting the 460th OG Whiting was briefed on the numerous important missions performed by the 460th OG.
The 460th OG provides missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence, satellite command and control, battle space characterization and robust communications to joint warfighters across the globe. The group’s team of space professionals operates the Defense Support Program and Space-Based Infrared System, which provide continuous global surveillance, tracking and targeting. The 460th OG and its partners represent a Total Force and coalition unit, including 430 active duty Air Force members, 100 Reservists, three international partners, 50 civilians, and 175 contractors.
During his time at the Medical Group, Whiting was briefed by Col. Matthew Hanson, 460th MDG commander, on the clinic consolidation plan.
The 460th MDG provides trusted health services to over 8,000 beneficiaries including 460th SW personnel and tenant units. Their health services include Primary Care, Flight and Operational Medicine, Dental Health, Mental Health, Public Health, Physical Therapy, Optometry, Bioenvironmental Engineering, Medical Laboratory, Pharmacy and a full range of Medical Support capabilities. Those services not offered on base are coordinated through the TRICARE network. The 460 MDG is fully accredited by The Joint Commission, and is in the final stages of historic construction projects that will consolidate all services on to Buckley AFB.
Whiting toured the base flight line where he met with leaders about the 460th Security Forces Squadron’s partnership with the 140th Air National Guard Wing. The 460th SFS provides security for Buckley AFB and its partner units, which includes protecting 140th ANGW assets on the flight line, law enforcement and force protection leadership to the personnel and resources on base while maintaining and employing capability to defend forces deployed around the world.
Concluding his visit, Whiting presided over the 460th SW change of command, where Col. David Miller relinquished command of 460th SW to Col. Troy Endicott.
“It is a big day for this wing to turn over command to Col. Endicott. And Col. Miller can leave with pride knowing he moved the ball significantly forward on his watch,” Whiting said. “But we know we are leaving the wing in good hands and Col. Endicott’s credentials show it.”
Prior to assuming command of the 460th SW, Endicott was the Executive Officer to the Commander, Air Force Space Command. He assisted the AFSPC commander in leading a headquarters staff and subordinate organizations, which organize, train and equip 36,000 space and cyberspace forces for combatant commands across 134 locations around the world.
Miller had a few parting words for Team Buckley before he relinquished command.
“No one does what you do and our adversaries know it,” said Miller. “They’re taking steps each and every day to try and defeat it. So the American people expect us to be better tomorrow than we were yesterday, and that’s what we do.”