5th Medical Group welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Westphal, outgoing 5th Medical Group (5MDG) commander (left), and U.S. Air Force Col. Michael McCarthy (right), incoming 5MDG commander, sit next to each other during the 5MDG change of command ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 31, 2025. During the ceremony, Westphal relinquished command to McCarthy.

5th Medical Group welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing commander, presents U.S. Air Force Col. Michael McCarthy, 5th Medical Group (5MDG) commander, the guidon during the 5MDG change of command ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 31, 2025. The passing of the guidon represents McCarthy’s assumption of command of the 5MDG.

5th Medical Group welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Westphal, 5th Medical Group (5MDG) commander, presents the guidon to U.S. Air Force Col. Jesse Lamarand, 5th Bomb Wing commander, during the 5MDG change of command ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 31, 2025. The passing of the guidon to Lamarand represents the transition of power to the next commander.

5th Medical Group welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael McCarthy, 5th Medical Group (5MDG) commander, delivers a speech to Team Minot during the 5MDG change of command ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 31, 2025. McCarthy will lead a team of 300 medics who maximize expeditionary readiness by providing high quality medical and dental support.

5th Medical Group welcomes new commander

Published Aug. 1, 2025
By Senior Airman Trust Tate

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- U.S. Air Force Col. Shaun Westphal, outgoing 5th Medical Group (5MDG) commander (left), and U.S. Air Force Col. Michael McCarthy (right), incoming 5MDG commander, sit next to each other during the 5MDG change of command ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 31, 2025. During the ceremony, Westphal relinquished command to McCarthy.