Slavick assumes 4th MSG command

Col. Mark Slocum, 4th Fighter Wing commander, passes the guidon to Col. Joe Slavick, incoming 4th Mission Support Group commander, during the 4th MSG assumption of command ceremony, July 8, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The 4th MSG is comprised of six squadrons performing various support functions. U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho)

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Slavick assumes 4th MSG command

Col. Joe Slavick, incoming 4th Mission Support Group commander, speaks during the 4th MSG assumption of command ceremony, July 8, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Slavick previously served as the director of the U.S. Forces Afghanistan Joint Visitor’s Bureau, Kabul, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho)

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Slavick assumes 4th MSG command

Lt. Col. Denise McAllister, bottom middle, 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, presents the command to Col. Mark Slocum, middle left, 4th Fighter Wing commander, during the 4th Mission Support Group assumption of command ceremony, July 8, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The 4th MSG has approximately 1,550 personnel assigned to the unit. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho)

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Slavick assumes 4th MSG command

Col. Mark Slocum, 4th Fighter Wing commander, addresses attendees during the 4th Mission Support Group assumption of command ceremony, July 8, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Slocum was the presiding official for the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho)

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Slavick assumes 4th MSG command

4th Mission Support Group Airmen stand in formation during the group’s assumption of command ceremony, July 8, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The 4th MSG provides communications, base security, civil engineer, fire protection, logistics and contracting programs in support of more than 25,000 people. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho)

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Slavick assumes 4th MSG command

Attendees observe the 4th Mission Support Group assumption of command ceremony, July 8, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The 4th MSG deploys, organizes, trains, and equips forces capable to deploy worldwide in support of combat forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman John Nieves Camacho)

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Slavick assumes 4th MSG command

Master Sgt. Heather Mousseau, 4th Force Support Squadron first sergeant, holds the 4th FSS guidon during the 4th Mission Support Group assumption of command ceremony, July 8, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Airmen from each squadron assigned to the 4th MSG attended to show support for the new commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ashley Williamson)

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Slavick assumes 4th MSG command

Published July 8, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Chuck Broadway
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Col. Joe Slavick assumed command of the 4th Mission Support Group during a ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, July 8.

Slavick became the commander after the ceremonious passing of the guidon by Col. Mark Slocum, 4th Fighter Wing commander, who presided over the ceremony.

"I can't imagine a better wing for an assignment," Slavick said. "Back to Air Combat Command, back to a (Combat Air Force) base and the true nexus of the Strike Eagle training and power projection. (My wife and I) are truly excited to be here."

Slavick took the reins of the 4th MSG following a one-year tour as the director of the U.S. Forces Afghanistan Joint Visitor's Bureau, Kabul, Afghanistan. Previously he served as director of operations for Services Installation Support at Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, where he supported more than 500,000 Airmen around the world.

"I am serious about our role in the support functions to provide our wing their mission requirements with what they need and want," Slavick added. "I'm passionate about ensuring that we're there to deliver our full spectrum of capabilities to our Airmen and their families."

Slocum, who gave opening remarks, said that Slavick was the professional, positive and motivational leader needed to perpetuate the incredible trajectory the Airmen of the 4th MSG are currently on.

"Colonel Slavick's entire career looks like it has been lined up preparing for this day and to take command," Slocum said. "He's spent his entire career making things better, which is what makes him such a great fit here. This mission support group touches nearly every aspect of our lives and directly relates to our ability to provide 'Dominant Strike Eagle Airpower ... Anytime, Anyplace.'"

Slavick ended his first address as commander by announcing his command philosophy and putting a charge to the Airmen of the 4th MSG. He challenged his Airmen to "say 'no' to no" and find ways to make things happen - even if it means branching out and trying new methods to accomplish tasks.