HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass - Last week, Col. Jorge Jimenez accepted his new role as commander of the 66th Air Base Group during a ceremony held at the Aero Club Hangar.
Jimenez’s immediate priorities for the 66th Air Base Group focus on readiness and continuing to maintain high-quality support to mission partners and their families.
“Our mission is to provide ready forces to the warfighter and exceptional base support,” he said.
Jimenez' career spans 26 years in financial management and various assignments across different commands, including Air Force Materiel Command, Air Combat Command, and Global Strike Command.
He most recently served as Comptroller, Headquarters U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii. In this position, he provided financial management support to the INDOPACOM leaders and enable its critical mission to deter and be ready to defend U.S. interests in DoD’s priority region.
“I am dedicated to fostering an environment where every Airman can thrive and contribute to the 66th Air Base Group’s mission success,” he said.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Jimenez was inspired by his father’s Army and civilian military service.
Like so many, his commitment to service deepened following the events of September 2001, saying “9/11 opened my eyes to the need for the military.”
Jimenez has been impressed by the mission and personnel, and appreciates the warm welcome he has received from Team Hanscom and from the local community since arriving earlier this month.
“Those relationships are important,” said Jimenez, adding he is committed to building upon and strengthening them.
He is determined to address the unique challenges faced by the diverse service population at Hanscom AFB, including with the program executive offices and tenant units on- and off-base.
Jimenez highlighted the vital role of the acquisition workforce in securing critical warfighting systems to ensure the Air Force and sister services maintain superior capabilities.
The colonel plans to maintain open communication with mission partners, while learning from past successes and addressing concerns that arise.
“Effective communication is the cornerstone of mission success,” he said.
Jimenez also highlighted the value of professional military education in fostering cross-functional understanding and collaboration.
“Every time I’ve been to a professional military education school, the number one thing I appreciated is interacting with other career fields and services,” he noted.
He recognizes the unique demands of military life and aims to ensure all members of the ABG workforce have work-life-balance.
“Work hard and smart during duty hours, and then enjoy your family, friends, and me-time,” said Jimenez.
He plans to spend initial weeks learning about the Team Hanscom mission and enjoying the New England area.
As 66 ABG commander, Jimenez will provide base, regional and readiness support to Program Executive Offices, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, and a variety of other tenant organizations and a joint-service military housing community.