JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
The 437th Maintenance Operations Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony here May 25.
Maj. Patrick Lowe, former maintenance operations officer for the 354th Aircraft maintenance Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, replaced Maj. James Blackman. Maj. Blackman went on to be the 56th Component Maintenance Squadron commander at Luke AFB, Az.
"One of my favorite moments was watching and being part of handing out master sergeant stripes to a technical sergeant who worked for me," said Major Lowe. "My squadron commander and I had him convinced that he was in some pretty hot water over a phone call that in reality was trivial. He squirmed for a good 10 minutes before we let him off the hook and gave him his stripes."
Major Lowe was born in Yuba City, Calif., but spent most of his childhood in O'Fallon, Ill. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1999 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at The Citadel. His first assignment was at Pope AFB, N.C., and has also been stationed at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, and Eglin AFB, Fl.
"My expectation of my Airmen is excellence in everything they do, both on and off duty," said Major Lowe. "The 437 MOS has provided excellent support for the 437th Airlift Wing as well as the 628th and 315th Airlift Wings for the last two years, and I do not expect that to change. Also, we are part of the Charleston community and we need to be mindful of our place within the community and be good stewards of the Air Force core values.
Major Lowe also wants his Airmen to be happy with what they are doing and have fun with work.
"I expect my Airmen to have fun," explained Major Lowe. "If you are not enjoying what you are doing, whether it's your job or your free time, then you need to re-evaluate what's going on."
The 437 MOS coordinates activities of three maintenance squadrons, allocates common resource among them, and coordinates and executes maintenance activities related to the C-17 Globemaster III. The squadron is responsible for budgeting, planning, real property management, training, manpower allocations and historical analysis for the wing's maintenance activities.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I am a Simpson's fanatic.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is Major League. I am a huge baseball fan, and this is one of the funniest sports movies with some of the best quotable lines for any occasion.
Who is your favorite author?
That would be Jeff Shaara. He has written many historical novel's such as "God's and Generals," "The Last Full Measure," and "Rise to Rebellion" following some of the great minds of military history. His novels are based on historical research, but his writing style is more story telling rather than citing facts and quotes.
What is a major pet peeve of yours?
People talking on their cell phones loud enough that I feel like I am part of their conversation.
Why did you join the Air Force?
Firstly, I wanted to serve my country and as an Air Force brat, I grew up around an Air Force base and saw the benefits that a military career can provide. I looked into the other military services and thought the Air Force was the way to go.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Leadership by example. If I ask my Airmen to do something, I have to be willing to do it as well. I allow people to do their job. I will assist and guide them when needed, but I can't do it for them.
Who is your role model?
I can't say that I have one role model. I look at different people for inspiration. It's very difficult for me to look at one person as the "master" of all situations.
What is your favorite quote?
"A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on." - President John F. Kennedy