First sergeants held out their guidons representing their squadrons of the 8th Mission Support Group during the change of command ceremony on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 22, 2012. The military ceremony gave Airmen the chance to see Col. Joseph Atkins assume command from Col. Suzanne Kumashiro. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Rasheen A. Douglas)
Col. John Pearse, 8th Fighter Wing commander, speaks to members of the Wolf Pack during the 8th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 22, 2012. Atkins was last assigned to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Rasheen A. Douglas)
Members and visitors of the 8th Fighter Wing sat in attendance to watch the 8th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 22, 2012. The ceremony marks the official acceptance of Col. Joseph Atkins as the 8th MSG's newest commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Rasheen A. Douglas)
Col. Suzanne Kumashiro receives her last salute as the 8th Mission Support Group commander during the change of command ceremony on Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 22, 2012. Kushamiro handed command over to Col. Joseph Atkins, who is the wing's newest "Falcon." (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Rasheen A. Douglas)
Col. John Pearse, 8th Fighter Wing commander, hands the 8th Mission Group guidon to Col. Joseph Atkins, 8th MSG commander, during a change of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 22, 2012. Atkins was last assigned to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Rasheen A. Douglas)
Col. Joseph Atkins, 8th Mission Support Group commander, addresses his group for the first time during the change of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 22, 2012. Atkins assumed command from Col. Suzanne Kumashiro, making him the wing's newest "Falcon." (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Rasheen A. Douglas)
6/25/2012 - Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea -- During a change of command ceremony June 22, Col. Joseph Atkins assumed command of the 8th Mission Support Group from Col. Suzanne Kumashiro.
As commander, Atkins is responsible for the leadership and management of the base's civil engineer, communications, security and law enforcement, transportation, supply, personnel, logistics readiness, education, food services, housing and recreation activities.
The group provides complete combat operational support to the 8th Fighter Wing, including its two F-16 Fighting Falcon squadrons and deployed forces in this remote, high-threat location.
