374th MXS changes command Published June 30, 2024 By Senior Airman Manuel G. Zamora 374th Airlift Wing YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Maj. Jessica Meadows assumed command of the 374th Maintenance Squadron from Maj. David Perkins during a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 14. U.S. Air Force Maj. Jessica Meadows, 374th Maintenance Squadron incoming commander, right, receives a guidon from Col. Michael Campos, 374th Maintenance Group commander, during the 374th MXS change of command ceremony, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 14, 2024. Receiving the guidon signifies Meadows accepting command of the 374th MXS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Manuel G. Zamora) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Col. Michael Campos, 374th Maintenance Group commander, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by family members of the incoming and outgoing commanders, members of the 374th MXS, and representatives from across the base. “To the 374th MXS, my only request as I leave is to keep that fire burning bright,” said Perkins. “I'm thankful you allowed me to earn your trust and be a part of your team. I am excited about the future because Maj. Meadows will be your new commander. She is a fantastic leader and your team will go far.” Perkins leaves with several noteworthy accomplishments, including successfully leading the 374th Airlift Wing in a multinational coalition that delivered humanitarian aid to 58 different islands across the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau, supporting 40,000 remote Pacific Islanders. As the largest and most successful Operation Christmas Drop in history, he contributed through improved capabilities for agile combat deployment, enhanced aircraft battle damage repair proficiency for technicians, and developed local repair procedures for 23 components, saving taxpayers over $3 million in procurement costs. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass a baton, colors, standards, or ensigns symbolizing the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, ensuring unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. “To the men and women of the maintenance squadron, I could not be more excited to be on this new journey with you,” said Meadows. “I promise you I will give it my best, and you will have my all.” U.S Air Force Col. Michael Campos, 374th Maintenance Group commander, left, receives guidon from Maj. David Perkins, 374th Maintenance Squadron outgoing commander during the 374th MXS change of command ceremony, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 14, 2024. The 374th MXS is responsible for the only C-130 Hercules isochronal inspection section in the western Pacific, serving both Air Mobility Command and Air Force Special Operation Command aircraft, and manages Pacific Air Force’s Queen Bee T-56 Engine Regional Repair Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Manuel G. Zamora) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The 374th MXS directs on and off equipment maintenance, munitions, precision measurement component calibration repairs, and aerospace ground equipment for assigned Air Mobility Command and other transient aircraft. It is responsible for the only C-130 Hercules isochronal inspection section in the western Pacific, serving both AMC and Air Force Special Operation Command aircraft, and manages Pacific Air Forces’ Queen Bee T-56 Engine Regional Repair Center.