Colonel Kirts takes command of 30th MSG

Moving Forward

VANDNEBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.-- Col. Kelly Kirts, the incoming 30th Mission Support Group commander, assumes command as he accepts the guidon flag from 30th Space Wing commander Col. Richard Boltz, during the change of command ceremony here Monday, July 26, 2010. Colonel Kirts will command 26 30th Space Wing organizations, 18 associate units, 45 contractors and more than 10,000 people..(U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Longoria)

Moving Forward

VANDNEBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.-- Members of the 30th Mission Support Group honor their new commander, Col. Kelly Kirts, with a salute during the change of command ceremony here Monday, July 26, 2010. Colonel Kirts will command 26 30th Space Wing organizations, 18 associate units, 45 contractors and more than 10,000 people. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Longoria)

Moving Forward

VANDNEBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.--Col Kelly Kirts, the 30th Mission Support Group commander, renders a salute to the five squadrons in his command during the change of command ceremony here Monday, July 26, 2010. Colonel Kirts will command 26 30th Space Wing organizations, 18 associate units, 45 contractors and more than 10,000 people. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Longoria)

Published July 27, 2010
By Senior Airman Heather R. Shaw
30th Space Wing Public Affairs

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Col. Kelly Kirts assumed command of the 30th Mission Support Group from Col. Richard Wright in a change-of-command ceremony here July 26.

Col. Richard Boltz, the 30th Space Wing commander, presided over the ceremony, which was held at the base parade grounds.

Colonel Kirts, who previously served as the as the Command Group Deputy Director of Staff, NATO Allied Air Command Headquarters Ramstein, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, pledged to do his best as the commander of the 30th MSG.

"Taking command of this group is both an honor and a privilege," said Colonel Kirts. "I commit to carry on the great traditions of the group as set by Colonel Wright. I personally pledge to uphold the trust of the men and women of the 30th Mission Support Group."

As the new 30th MSG commander, Colonel Kirts is responsible for five squadrons, the 30th Force Support Squadron, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, 30th Security Forces Squadron, 30th Contracting Squadron and the 30th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The 30th MSG provides security, law enforcement, disaster response, civil engineering, base services, mission support, morale services, contract and logistical support.

As commander, Colonel Kirts supports the third largest Air Force base in the United States with more than 99,000 acres and 10,000 people. He also manages $3.3 billion in assets and a $42 million annual budget.

Colonel Boltz expressed his sincere thanks to out-going commander, Colonel Wright, and expressed his faith in Colonel Kirts.

"Your task will not be an easy one, but I am confident in your abilities to meet this challenge," said Colonel Boltz. "We are thrilled to have you and your family join the 30th Space Wing."