Mix accepts 4th CMS command

Col. Darrell Steele, 4th Maintenance Group commander, passes the guidon to Maj. Kristy Mix, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron incoming commander, during the squadron’s change of command ceremony, June 12, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. Mix accepted command of the squadron formerly led by Maj. Brian Sporysz. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum)

Mix accepts 4th CMS command

Members of the 4th Component Maintenance Squadron salute the colors during the playing of the national anthem at the squadron’s change of command ceremony, June 12, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. The squadron is composed of more than 400 personnel representing career fields that range from avionics to electro-environmental, all of which provide maintenance for equipment on- and off-aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum)

Mix accepts 4th CMS command

Maj. Kristy Mix, 4th Component Maintenance Squadron incoming commander, returns her squadron’s salute for the first time at the change of command ceremony, June 12, 2015, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina. A squadron or formation saluting their incoming and outgoing commanders, along with the passing of the guidon, are two of many traditions associated with changes of command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum)

Mix accepts 4th CMS command

Published June 16, 2015
By Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Maj. Kristy Mix accepted command of the 4th Component Maintenance Squadron during a ceremony, June 12.

Mix received the guidon from Col. Darrell Steele, 4th Maintenance Group commander, after Maj. Brian Sporysz relinquished his command of the unit.

"We're fortunate to have an officer of Major Mix's caliber back at the 4th Fighter Wing," Steele said.

Mix previously served in the 4th Aircraft Maintenance and Maintenance Operations Squadrons, and was most recently assigned to Beale Air Force Base, California, as the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron operations officer.

She will now lead a squadron of more than 400 members.

"For me, this morning, it's mostly about giving thanks," Mix said. "Of all the thanks I owe, none compare to the thanks I owe my family," Mix said.

The 4th CMS represents 10 career fields dedicated to on- and off-aircraft equipment maintenance, including avionics, measurement and diagnostics, and propulsion. It boasts a rich history of contributing to air superiority - including hosting the propulsion flight that maintains the highest number of engines in the Air Force, and participating in everything from Operation Enduring Freedom to Operation Noble Eagle.

Their contemporary history also includes great success.

"His (Sporysz's) razor-sharp focus on taking care of his hundreds of Airmen led to results like an unheard-of 92 percent quality assurance pass rate for a squadron who, through last week, had accomplished 59,563 maintenance actions since (Sporysz) took command," Steele said. "You've left quite the mark on the 4th Fighter Wing, and on the hearts and minds of the 4th CMS Timberwolves. Well done, my friend."

Sporysz followed by attributing the unit reaching several milestones to the Airmen under his command.

"Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you have shown over the past two years," Sporysz said. "I am honored and humbled to have been your commander. Good luck to each and every one of you."

After accepting the guidon, and with it all of the responsibility that comes with leading such a large and diverse unit, Mix continued her theme of appreciation.

"As the ceremony draws to a close, I want to say thank you once again to everyone," Mix said. "I look forward to all that we can accomplish together."