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20th OG welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Operations Group held a change-of-command ceremony July 26..

U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun McGrath relinquished command to U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Murray.

U.S. Air Force Col. Clay Hall, 20th Fighter Wing commander, presided over the ceremony and shared his thoughts on both the incoming and outgoing commanders.

"Over the last 13 months Col. McGrath has led the Ops Group, which is a significant job," Hall explained. "It is the pinnacle of success to be able to lead a group like this."

"I know that Col. Murray has the pedigree, experience and leadership to build upon the foundation (of his predecessor)," Hall said. "I'm confident he'll bring the (current) initiatives to fruition."

Murray graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering. As a command pilot he has more than 2,500 flight hours, 2,300 in the F-16.

The colonel has extensive training in fighter operations including: weapons, training, scheduling and standardization and evaluation. He has served in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya on countless both support and assault missions.

"I am honored and excited to join Team Shaw," Murray said. "This group recognizes not a wheel gets turned, not a single missile armed, without the hard work and tireless dedication of our Airmen."

Before resigning his post, McGrath expressed his thanks and appreciation to Team Shaw, his family and the Sumter community.

"Your mentorship and unwavering leadership in the face of many challenges over my time here is definitely appreciated," McGrath told Hall. "Thank you for your confidence in
me to be a part of the senior leadership team at Shaw."

McGrath will take command of an Expeditionary Operations Group at an undisclosed location.