61st ABG Welcomes New Commander

  • Published
  • By Alicia Garges
  • SMC Public Affairs
The 61st Air Base Group has a new commander. Colonel Sam McNiel assumed command of the group from Col. Frank Simcox at a ceremony held here, June 29.

Commissioned in 1989 through the Air Force's Officer Training School, the colonel has held a variety of space-related staff and operations positions during his career. He comes to Los Angeles AFB after a tour as deputy staff director at the State Department's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center.

Colonel Simcox is moving on to a new assignment at Barksdale AFB, La. He was the ABG commander since August 2010.

The 61st Air Base Group provides administrative and base services. The group was reactivated in 2010 after the 61st Air Base Wing was deactivated. The 61st can trace its linage back to World War II.