412th OG welcomes in new commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A recent graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces assumed command of the 412th Operations Group from Col. Mike T. Panarisi during a change of command ceremony in hangar 1600 July 1.

Col. Colin R. Miller was last stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where he was responsible for developmental flight test and certification of advanced avionics, sensors, and weapons on the F-15C/E Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and A-10 Thunderbolt II.

As the 412th OG commander, Colonel Miller will oversee 10 squadrons with missions consisting of air vehicle development as well as the testing of both manned and unmanned aerospace vehicles for both US and foreign governments.

Colonel Miller commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in April of 1990, following completion of Officer Training School. He is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg Va. He has also received his Master of Arts in Organizational Management as well as a Master of Science in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Arts in Military Studies from the Air Command and Staff College.

During his last assignment, Colonel Miller held the position of commander of the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. A squadron that employs 21 aircraft in testing and develops aircraft weapons used down range.

The new 412th OG commander's has made various stops and held a variety of leadership positions across the Air Force, including two prior assignments to Edwards. He has been the Deputy Director of the Joint Strike Fighter Air system Requirements program at Arlington Va., as well as the Operations Officer of the 445th Flight Test Squadron here.

Colonel Miller's decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, and the Aerial Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters. He was promoted to colonel in October 1 2008.

Outgoing commander Colonel Michael Panarisi led the 412th OG since 2007. Colonel Panarisi next assignment is Arnold Air Force base, where he will be the commander of the Engineering Development Center.