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Former special operations navigator takes command of 920th Operations Group

  • Published
  • By Capt. Cathleen Snow
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Col. Mark C. Blalock assumed command of the 920th Operations Group at a ceremony held at the Base Theater here Jan. 7.

The 920th Rescue Wing Commander,Col. Jeffrey L. Macrander, presided over at the ceremony.

The Operations Group falls under the 920th Rescue Wing, which is a combat-search-and-rescue unit tasked with recovery and medical treatment of personnel in humanitarian and combat environments.

"I'd like to say above all else how happy and proud I am to be back here in this amazing wing and group," said Blalock who has a rescue history.

Colonel Blalock replaced Col. Christopher P. Hannon who has taken the position as chief, Global Power Panel at Air Force Reserve Headquarters, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., and is the single point of contact for all issues concerning combat forces.

In his former position, Blalock served as the deputy director, Irregular Warfare Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington D.C., during which time he also deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

While at Kandahar, he was the 451st Deputy Operations Group commander where he flew HC-130P/N King aircraft, nicknamed "Fever" because they flew into remote combat outposts, forward operating bases and camps to retrieve wounded personnel and transport them to more advanced medical treatment facilities.

"I know what rescue is about, believe strongly in what we do, and will endeavor to keep the 920th Rescue Wing at the forefront of the community," he said.

The colonel's rescue roots extend all the way back to 1990 when he was key in standing up the 71st Air Rescue Squadron here, which has since moved to Moody AFB, Ga. Next, he transitioned from active duty to the Reserve joining the 301st Rescue Squadron, which eventually became what is now the 920th RQW.

He also spent time serving in the 303rd Rescue Squadron and the 939th Rescue Wing, both in Portland, Ore.

And he commanded the 919th Operations Group and flew missions aboard the MC-130E Combat Talon and MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft.

He grew up as an Air Force dependant and entered the Air Force himself in 1983 after receiving his commission from The Citadel, Charleston, S.C.

As the new operations group commander, his command philosophy is simply, "mission first, safety always," he said.

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