62nd Operations Group receives new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Jimenez
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Airmen of the 62nd Operations Group said farewell to their commander and saluted their new commander for the first time at a change of command ceremony May 1 at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington. During the ceremony, Col. Mark Fuhrmann took command from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Brian Smith.

“We are celebrating the change of command for an outstanding unit full of outstanding Airmen,” said Col. Leonard Kosinski, 62nd Airlift Wing commander. “As you take command of the 62nd Operations Group, I look forward to where your capable leadership will take us in this critical time in our nation’s history.”

New to the command, Fuhrmann is not new to McChord Field. He used to be assigned to the 7th Airlift Squadron flying the C-141B Starlifter and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in the early 2000’s. 

“It is my privilege to welcome you back to McChord,” said Kosinski. “The transition to joint basing has not always been easy, but as you will learn during your time here, Team McChord and the 62nd Airlift Wing are better off with the shared resources and training opportunities provided by the joint environment.”       

Having worked with Fuhrmann in 2003 at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Kosinski said he is confident in his ability to command the 62nd OG and lead the Airmen assigned to the group.

“I have no doubt that the 62nd Operations Group will continue to meet and exceed expectations under his tenure,” said Kosinski. “He has incredible qualifications and experience, I can personally attest he is ready to command.”

With more than 23 years of services, Fuhrmann has served in a variety of capacities in the Air Force, to include being a communications officer, mobility pilot, joint staff actions officer and having commanded the 437th Operations Support Squadron at JBC, S.C.

A rated command pilot, Fuhrmann holds more than 3,200 flight hours in the T-37, T1-A, C-141B and C-17 aircraft. He has earned numerous awards and decorations, to include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

“What a privilege it is to be here today with such an extraordinary group of Airmen and civilians,” said Fuhrmann. “I firmly believe that the strength of our squadron not only comes from the Airmen and civilians here today but from the strength of the families that supports each them. I look forward to serving each of you and your families.”