Jackson takes lead of 81st MDG

KEESLER AFB, Miss. - Lt. Col. Norris Jackson became the newest 81st Medical Group (MDG) commander here during a July 9 change of command. Prior to coming to Keesler AFB, Jackson was the 319th Medical Operations Squadron commander at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota. Outgoing commander, Col. Ryan Mihata credited all personnel of the 81st MDG for its success during his time as commander. “This is about the surgical operators, airmen, active-duty members, reservists, guardsmen, civilian employees and the contractors,” he said. “We all contributed to the success of the 81st.” Mihata’s next duty assignment will be at Ramstein Air Base in Germany where he will be the commander of the 86th Medical Group. (Source: 81st Training Wing 07/10/19) The 81st operates one of the largest medical facilities in the Air Force. It provides health care for more than 25,000 enrollees, including nearly 8,500 active-duty members. In addition, the 81st MDG commander oversees the Gulf Coast Multi-Service Market, which includes five military medical treatment facilities from Mobile, Ala., to New Orleans, coordinating care for 80,000 eligible beneficiaries.