KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Lt. Col. Elissa D. Granderson assumed command of the 403rd Operations Group from Col. Kevin J. Campanile, during a change of command ceremony at the Roberts Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Facility auditorium June 3.
Overseeing the ceremony was Col. Stuart M. Rubio, 403rd Wing commander.
“Elissa is very familiar with the many missions of the 403rd Operations Group,” said Rubio. “Her breadth of experience has a foundation in C-130s but covers the spectrum of mobility operations. She is an exceptional leader who will lead the OG with energy, boldness, and high expectations. I am very excited for what the future holds.”
Granderson’s Air Force career began in 1992 as an enlisted imagery analyst with the Arkansas Air National Guard. In 1997 she commissioned via the Academy of Military Sciences and went on to become a pilot flying various models of the C-130 Hercules aircraft.
In her 30 years of service, she has served with the Arkansas and Missouri Air National Guard and Reserve components. Prior to command she has held many different positions, most recent, 403rd OG deputy commander, and Director of Operations for the 913th Airlift Group and 327th Airlift Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.
As 403rd OG commander, Granderson will be responsible for the 403rd Wing’s two flying squadrons, the 815th Airlift Squadron and the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, the 403rd Operations Support Squadron, and two geographically separated units, the 5th and 12th Operational Weather Flights at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., and Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
Granderson spoke of her gratitude for the support.
“Y’all already know me, and you know I didn’t get here by myself, and I appreciate all of y’all getting me to where I am today” she said. “I never thought I’d be doing this job, but you got to take the chance on the opportunities that are given to you and give it you’re all, which is what I am going to do for y’all.”