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844th CG welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. --  Col. Kevin M. Payne accepted command of the 844th Communications Group from Col. Anthony J. Thomas during a change-of-command ceremony July 12 on The Air Force Ceremonial Lawn, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.

"Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to lead the outstanding personnel of the 844th Communications Group," said Payne. "I know these dedicated professionals will continue to blaze new trails and deliver cyber capabilities for the world's strongest military."

As the 844th CG commander, Payne will provide the single Information Technology voice and Air Force Component to Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region. He will also provide communications and IT systems and services for The National Military Command Center, Headquarters United States Air Force, and other organizations within the NCR, to include travel communications support to the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Air Force Chief of Staff.

"When the hunt began for Col. Thomas' replacement, we left no stone unturned for the perfect commander," said Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darren W. McDew. "Of all possible candidates, one colonel had the ideal credentials and professional skills we were looking for to continue the legacy for the 844th."

Payne has commanded at the flight and squadron level twice. He has worked on joint staff assignments such as Chief of Network Operations, Chief of Management Support Division, and Commander of the 1st Joint Communications Squadron.

The colonel graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelors of Science degree in electrical engineering, and from Central Michigan University with a master's degree in management. Additionally, Payne attended Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College - where he received his second master's degree in military operational science, and Air War College.

"His bronze star is a testament to his experience as a deployed war plans officer for U.S. Central Command," said McDew.

Payne said his vision for the 844th CG is "customer service and cyber capabilities that are second to none." Together, he seeks to improve the U.S. Air Force's ability in executing its mission and strengthening the mission effectiveness across the NCR.

Thomas, who took command more than two years ago, said a heartfelt goodbye to the men and women of the 844th.

"This day is about team 844th - the entire 844th family," said Thomas. "To stand here in this exact spot 720 days later [from the day he took command] is a greater privilege than it was on day one. Not because I'm done, but because of what we have done together."

"It is imperative the commander [of the 844th CG] be logical and, most of all, lead his group in remaining diligent," said McDew. "This reminds us why command is an honor, a privilege, and a sacred trust few officers experience. Tony has been one of those few that have had the opportunity to lead and command at the group level. He has engaged our most senior leaders, worked their issues diligently, and remained loyal. He has reduced senior personnel's network and communication outages by 80 percent. He has applied his professional aptitude over the last two years with, what I call amazing results."

Thomas will be continuing his Air Force career in Washington, D.C., as the Secretary of the Air Force Communications Deputy Director of Policy and Resources.