Mulkey takes command of 733rd TRS

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND --  Members of the 733rd Training Squadron gathered to welcome their new commander, Lt. Col. Marc D. Mulkey, during a change of command ceremony Oct. 16 at the 68th Airlift Squadron auditorium. Col. Gregory P. Hayes, 433rd Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony.

“A change of command can be a bit of a bitter sweet thing,” said Hayes. “We are saying goodbye to one great leader and saying hello to another. Of course, we all know that Marc’s not coming from very far away, just across the parking lot, but there’s still some significance to that because it just shows that we know a good leader when we see one. I think the 733rd is in great hands. We’re fortunate to have you Marc.”

Mulkey, who first came to the 433rd AW in 1997 working as an executive officer in the 68th AS, worked his way up through the organization over the years, eventually taking command of the 68th AS in 2014.

“To the men and women of the 733rd, thank you all very much” he said. “You guys are awesome. I know what I’m getting into and that’s one reason why I applied for the job. I look forward to serving you – an outstanding group.”

Having been a part of the Alamo Wing for almost two decades, Mulkey has made some close friends through the years; however, his friendship with outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Kenneth Evans, dates back 20 years to when they attended the Texas A&M ROTC program together.

“Ken and I have been very good friends and Ken you’ve done an outstanding job,” Mulkey said. “Other squadron commanders look up to you and your leadership and what you’ve done. You’ve done a great service to this country and I’m sad to see you go in November (when you retire). I have some big shoes to fill. Thanks for everything.”

The 733rd Training Squadron is responsible for the formal training unit student administration for initial and upgrade students on temporary duty in all C-5 crew positions (pilot, flight engineer and loadmaster). The 733rd TRS supports both Air Mobility Command and Air Force Reserve Command units that employ the C-5. Course lengths range from 12 to 93 training days and peak student load can exceed 200 per year. Additionally, 733rd TRS has members assigned as instructors at the Air Education and Training Command-led Career Enlisted Aviator Center of Excellence which lays the foundation for enlisted aircrew training in all Air Force weapon systems.