New group superintendent takes reins at 317th

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 317th Airlift Group maintainer was selected to become the new group superintendent Jan. 4.

Chief Master Sgt. Mike Mildenberg replaced Chief Master Sgt. Debra Huntley, who retired Jan. 4, as the superintendent.

Chief Mildenberg has currently been with the 317th AG for three years and has deployed with the C-130 group each year.

"I've spent the last three years working with the Airmen here and in the AOR, so I believe that will help ease the transition as the group superintendent," Chief Mildenberg said.

The 317th AG commander also agrees with his assessment that his time and experience with the Airmen in the 317th will be a positive during his time as superintendent.

"The 317th has always excelled from the Airman on the flight line, to the captain in the flight deck, to the senior NCOs leading our troops. Chief Mildenberg was at the pinnacle of our maintenance squadron leadership, and I could not have picked anyone better or more respected to lead the group's nearly 900 enlisted members," said. Col. Kevin Jackson, 317th AG commander.

During his time at the 317th, Chief Mildenberg said that he has noticed the challenging operations tempo and the burden it can cause on families with training, TDYs, ALS and NCO Academy graduations.

"We can't fix all those challenges Airmen face, but I can help manage it and hopefully make it easier on them and their families," Chief Mildenberg said.

While in the superintendent position, the Mitchell, S.D. native, said his top priorities will be to help improve facilities here and in the AOR, improve work conditions and perhaps most importantly help better prepare Airmen for the AOR.

"I look forward to working with the Airmen of the 317th and help ease the transition when leadership changes here (at the end of the month)," Chief Mildenberg said.