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90th Mission Support Group commander retires

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Stacey Fenton
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  F. E. Warren Air Force Base and the 90th Mission Support Group bid farewell to Col. John Boyle, 90th MSG commander, during his retirement ceremony at the Trail's End Club here at 2 p.m. today.

Col. Boyle has served for more than 25 years, since receiving his commission from Officer Training School on June 10, 1986. He has served as the 90th MSG commander at Warren since June 2009.

Col. Boyle began his career as a flight commander with the 448th Strategic Missile Squadron at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. After four years of serving as a missileer, he cross-trained into intelligence.

"I never consciously said 'I'm going to do this as a career' - I always said I would stay in as long as I was having fun," Col. Boyle said.

After serving a year in Somalia, Col. Boyle was assigned to the Air Force Academy, where he served as an instructor and the Air Officer Commander for cadet Squadron 36. He said this was his favorite assignment.

"My wife, Diana, and I really enjoyed working with the cadets," Col. Boyle said. "Their youth rubbed off on us."

Col. Boyle served in several other assignments at the Pentagon, Guam, and Hawaii before he was assigned to F. E. Warren.

After serving in various assignments away from Air Force bases, Col. Boyle said he was happy to get back into the "blue" Air Force once he arrived at Warren.

"I love being among young Airmen - they carry the weight of the Air Force on their shoulders and are still so full of spirit," he said.

He said the great wing leadership at Warren was one of the reasons he decided to extend his career past 20 years.

"You have to have the courage to trust your people - Col. Tims has done this, and that is why the Mighty Ninety has been so successful," said Col. Boyle.

Those who have worked with Col. Boyle have only positive things to say about him as a leader and a person.

"It was an honor working with Sean," said Col. Greg Tims, 90th Missile Wing Commander. "He is one of those leaders who inspires everyone around him, and he has made a lasting impact on the Mighty Ninety."

Col. Boyle's leadership has impacted many here, especially those who worked closely with him in the 90th MSG.

"Working for Col. Boyle has been a great experience," said 1st Lt. Rob Shuler, 90th Mission Support Group executive officer. "Everyone who works with him admires his leadership and positive attitude."

Col. Boyle said the greatest challenge of his career was constantly putting 110 percent effort into everything he did.

"You have to give 110 percent at all times, but some days finding the energy can be challenging," he said.

After retirement, Col. Boyle is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, and moving to Spokane, Wash.