HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Col. Jorge Jimenez will turn over command of the 66th Air Base Group during a ceremony July 15 at 9 a.m. in the Aero Club hangar.
As he reflects on his past two years at Hanscom Air Force Base, Jimenez praised the workforce here for making his job easier than he thought it would be.
“They are true professionals who do their work and carry their weight,” he said. “The job was hectic but less stressful than I expected, and I attribute that to the great people.”
Jimenez said he was “ecstatic” when he learned he had been selected to command the 66th Air Base Group, believing his opportunity to serve as a group commander had passed.
“I had always wanted to be a group commander,” he said. “It was my dream job, and to also lead the installation made it even better.”
Prior to taking command, Jimenez served as comptroller for Headquarters, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, now called U.S. Pacific Command, where the operational tempo helped shape his priorities here.
From his first day in command, Jimenez emphasized readiness and credits the dedication from 66 ABG leaders and mission partners for strengthening the installation’s readiness posture.
“We increased the warrior ethos through more thorough exercises, a greater emphasis on physical fitness and expanded Ready Airman Training,” he said. “I believe we now rank among the best in the Air Force Materiel Command.”
While operational readiness remained his top priority, Jimenez said mission success also depended heavily on the investment in people.
“The most satisfying part of this job has been helping people find ways to continue to serve and to serve better,” he said. “Whether through professional development, promotions, commissioning opportunities or career guidance, being able to positively influence someone’s future has been incredibly rewarding.”
When he assumed command, Jimenez intentionally spent his first months listening and learning before implementing major changes.
That approach ultimately helped Jimenez increase transparency and foster stronger relationships among the Air Base Group, mission partners and tenant organizations, allowing personnel to better appreciate how their work contributes to the broader mission.
“I wanted people to understand that every organization here plays an important role in supporting the warfighter,” he said.
As he prepares for his next assignment, Jimenez said his experience at Hanscom AFB has made him an ambassador for both the installation and Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. He hopes to continue advocating for the resources members of the workforce need to accomplish their missions.
For his successor, Jimenez offered simple advice.
“Enjoy every day, listen and learn from the entire Team Hanscom, and appreciate the outstanding people who make this installation successful,” he said.
To the Team Hanscom community, Jimenez leaves with a message of gratitude.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to be the 66th Air Base Group commander,” he said. “I hope that I leave this community better than I found it.”