349th AES at Travis AFB, welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Meredith Mingledorff
  • 349th AMW Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Lt. Col. Nancy Mikulin took command of the 349th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, from Col. Alan Baskin in a ceremony held at David Grant Medical Center here Jan. 6.

The ceremony took place in the hospital's auditorium and was attended by more than 150 reservists, active duty, and civilian guests.

Colonel Mikulin attended the University of California, Berkley, where she earned a bachelor's degree in German with a minor in Russian. She received a bachelor's degree in nursing in 1986 and a master's degree in nursing with nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist credentials in 1998, both from the University of San Francisco.

Colonel Mikulin was commissioned into the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps in 1987 and joined the 65th Aeromedical Squadron here at Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

The colonel has held numerous positions throughout her 20 years of military service. After becoming a flight instructor in 1989 she progressed to become a flight evaluator, chief of ground training, chief of flight instructor upgrade, assistant chief and chief of air evacuation standardization.

Colonel Mikulin has more than 3,000 flight hours as a flight nurse and has worked in the C-141, C-17, KC-135, KC-10, C-9 and C-130 aircraft.

"Alan Baskin has done a great job and I thank him for all his hard work," said Col. Kenneth Lewis, 349th Operations Group commander. "I have no doubt that Nancy Mikulin is the right person for the job. She is knowledgeable and I'm positive she will leave this squadron better than she found it, just as Colonel Baskin has done, and that is the ultimate goal of every commander."

Colonel Baskin has served as the squadron's commander since Feb. 6, 2005 and leaves now to retire after 43 years of military service.

Colonel Baskin stepped up to say farewell to his military family. "I leave here confident that I can tell my youngest son, who is currently serving in Iraq, if need be, we could provide him with the best medical care the world has to offer. That is due to the dedication and training of each and every member of this unit. It has been an honor to serve with and for you. Thank you."

Thanking Colonel Baskin for his leadership and courage, the incoming squadron commander gave a brief history on aeromedical evacuation.

Colonel Mikulin added, "The AES is a flying squadron with a unique mission that very few in military ever have the privilege to do. Squadron members and I are grateful for this privilege. Thank you for the opportunity to lead the most highly skilled AE squadron in the command; I look forward to the challenge."

"The success of a squadron depends on the attitude, dedication and skill of its people," said Colonel Mikulin. "To the men and women of the AES, I offer my complete respect and hope to earn your confidence and trust. We have many challenges ahead."