Maintenance group deputy looks forward to new challenges

  • Published
  • By Gene H. Hughes
  • 908th Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  Change comes in cycles at the 908th Airlift Wing. Policies and processes undergo adaptation and evolution, personnel transition and career doors open and close.

A door has opened for Lt. Col. James L. Hartle, deputy commander of the 908th Maintenance Group. As a result, he will depart the wing for a new assignment.

A familiar face in the hangers and out on the flightline, Hartle will be exchanging his tool kit for text books as he attends Air War College in preparation for a future promotion to colonel.

It's a transition he's looking forward to.

"I look forward to the opportunity to learn, at a very strategic level - the problems, solutions and complexities our Air Force faces today," he said.

Like so many others, Hartle was leaning towards military service, and the Air Force made the choice quite simple.

"They paid for college," he said. "I wanted to serve, and the fact that they paid for my college via ROTC was a bonus."

He served in the active component for 10 years before joining the 908th in November of 2012. His deployments include three tours in Turkey, two in Kuwait and another in Qatar. He said his favorite was his post-9/11OEF deployment in support of forces within Afghanistan.

He's been a large part of the maintenance group's success in the interim period between deployments, helping to guide the 908th "knucklebusters" through major inspections and aircraft upgrades. He said he'll definitely miss being part of the day-to-day operations of the wing.

"I'll miss the daily camaraderie the most," he said. "The best part about being a member of the 908th ... it's all about the people - sharp maintainers interested in getting the job done."

Hartle has seen a lot of changes during his time with the wing, with many new faces in key positions, but wherever he goes, Hartle believes his time at Maxwell will be a benefit to his commanders and Airmen. He said his 908th experience will allow him to bring a unit-equipped, Reserve-unit perspective to the table.

"The 908th is rich in history and has an enduring legacy that will continue for many years," he said. "I'm honored to have been a part of that legacy, and even more proud to now be part of the history. Every member of the wing is writing their own history in the scrolls of the 908th."

He concluded by leaving wing members some final words of encouragement.
"Ensure that the lasting legacy you leave is one of pride, professionalism and enduring airmanship!"