624th Regional Support Group welcomes new commander Published Feb. 7, 2023 By Kelly Owens 624th Regional Support Group JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- On Feb. 4, 2022, the 624th Regional Support Group welcomed Col. Brandon W. Stepp as its new commander. Stepp officially took the reins of the group at an assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, presided over by Brig. Gen. Derin S. Durham, commander of the Fourth Air Force, 624th RSG’s Numbered Air Force. “I am honored to be joining the Pacific Warriors of the 624th Regional Support Group,” said Stepp. “Our mission is clear, and I am eager to serve our Airmen, learn about the unique cultures of Hawaii and Guam, and ensure we stand reserve ready to respond when called upon to do so.” Stepp joins the 624th RSG from the 439th Mission Support Group, Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts. There, Stepp led more than 1,000 Citizen Airmen and civilians across seven squadrons and four functional areas that provide peacetime and contingency mission readiness support for the Air Force Reserve Command. “I have no doubt that Col. Stepp will carve his own path while building on the success and foundation that have preceded him,” said Durham. “The Pacific Warriors at the 624th Regional Support Group are in the good hands of a caring leader, and I am confident that Brandon’s skills, experience and approach to leadership will ensure our Reserve Citizen Airmen in Hawaii and Guam are well-prepared for now for the mission at hand, while continuing to transform for any future challenges in this vital area of responsibility.” Prior to serving as commander for the MSG, Stepp was a strategic planner for the Joint Force Development and Design Integration Division at the Pentagon. He has also served as deputy commander for the MSG, as well as the logistics readiness branch chief for Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. He has earned several awards, including the Air Force Achievement Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, among others. Stepp holds a Master of Science degree in national resource strategy from the Eisenhower School for National Security; a Master of Arts in procurement and acquisition management from Webster University; and a Bachelor of Arts in history. He has also completed Army Command and General Staff College. Most recently, the 624th RSG was under the leadership of Col. Joseph R. Orcutt, who was serving as interim commander for Col. Athanasia Shinas. Shinas, after four years at the helm, moved on to serve as director of staff for Headquarters Air Force A4 at the Pentagon.