JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Col. Michael H.M. Egbalic assumed command of the 433rd Maintenance Group during a ceremony at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy Auditorium at Joint base San Antonio-Lackland on Aug. 2, 2025.
Col. Douglas C. Jeffrey IV, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, officiated the ceremony and passed the group guidon to Egbalic, symbolizing the official transfer of authority and responsibility.
“You are the ones that make this mission happen, across the board,” Jeffrey told Airmen during the event. “He is the type of man, the type of colonel, that backs up his words with his actions. I’m excited about the future of the wing and what we’re going to be doing because of you. I’m entrusting you to make sure that we are ready to go.”
Egbalic expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the group’s Airmen as they execute aircraft maintenance operations crucial to the 433rd AW’s strategic airlift mission.
“I’m excited to take command of this awesome group and be a teammate of the Alamo Wing, helping the 433rd propel new mission objectives and initiatives to the next level,” he said. “I can’t do that without the men and women of the 433rd Maintenance Group. My promise to you is this — I promise to be bold and caring for our Airmen and your families, I promise to be brave in supporting your disciplined maintenance efforts which keep these birds safely in the air, and I promise to be courageous leading you from the front and meeting our nation’s needs. It’s an honor to be your commander.”
The 433rd Maintenance Group is responsible for maintaining the wing’s fleet of C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft, ensuring safe, reliable and mission-ready assets to support global deployment and combat operations. The group’s Airmen provide aircraft maintenance, repair, inspection and launch support, enabling the 433rd AW to deliver strategic capabilities worldwide.
Egbalic’s assumption of command marks the next chapter of leadership for the 433rd MXG as it continues to generate combat-ready aircraft and maintenance professionals in support of national defense.