Daniels assumes command of the 71st Mission Support Group Published July 10, 2013 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Col. Christopher Daniels assumed command of the 71st Mission Support Group during a ceremony held July 9 in Hangar 199 at Vance Air Force Base. His command began when he accepted the group guidon from the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, Col. Darren James. The 71st MSG former commander, Col. Michael McDaniel, was not at the ceremony because of an early departure from Vance due to a family emergency. A formation of troops represented the five units in the 71st MSG: the 71st Communications Squadron, the 71st Force Support Squadron, the 71st Logistics Readiness Squadron, the 71st Security Forces Squadron and the Contract Administration office. The Silver Talon Honor Guard presented the colors and Lt. Cols. Curt Castillo and Steve Yarbrough, with the 5th Flying Training Squadron, sang the national anthem a cappella. Chaplain (Capt.) Rashaundra Singleton gave the invocation. Daniels came to Vance Air Force Base after completing an Air Force Fellowship with E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company as a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow. He entered the Air Force through the Air Force ROTC program at Florida State University. He holds a Master's Degree in both Business Administration and Military Operational Art and Science. Before the Air Force Fellowship, Daniels served as deputy commander of the 11th Mission Support Group at Joint Base Andrews, Md. After the assumption of command, a reception was held at the Vance Collocated Club.