HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Col. Taona Enriquez assumed command of the 66th Air Base Group during a change of command ceremony held in the Aero Club Hangar here June 27.
Lt. Gen. Shaun Q. Morris, commander, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, presided over the event. He lauded Enriquez for her legacy of excellence and said she is the right person at the right time.
“This was an easy choice,” Morris said. “She has demonstrated the ability to lead in a diverse set of jobs around the globe. She has excelled, and she has led, which makes her the perfect candidate to come in now.”
Prior to assuming command, Enriquez was the deputy director and then director of contracting for the AFLCMC at Hanscom. As director, she led a 500-person team of contracting personnel who provided the resources and environment necessary to deliver innovative and agile solutions.
“I am so humbled and excited to be here,” Enriquez said as she addressed the crowd. “Thank you for putting your trust and confidence in me to lead the 66th Air Base Group. I’ve been lucky over the years to really make some strong friendships here at Hanscom, and I look forward to building them in a different capacity now with my new hat and I look forward to taking us to the next level.”
Enriquez also addressed her predecessor, Col. Katrina Stephens.
“I’m grateful to assume command of this dynamic team,” she said. “Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your mentorship. But most of all, thank you for your friendship.”
Morris also thanked Stephens for her service and praised the work she accomplished as commander.
“You can walk away knowing this organization, at all levels, is better today than when you took command,” Morris said. “You built a spirit of innovation here at the organization. You enhanced diversity and inclusion. You have done all the things to execute the mission every single day. So, well done.”
Enriquez closed the ceremony by speaking directly to the members of the 66 ABG.
“Our adversaries continue to work to undermine our current advantage, and as warfare changes, we will have to outpace them to keep the advantage,” she said. “Because of your efforts so far, we serve in the greatest Air Force this world has ever seen, and our continued efforts will be the key to that victory. I look forward to working for you, and thank you for what you do every single day.”