Team Minot welcomes new 5th OG commander Published June 10, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Col. Kieran Denehan took the reins as commander of the 5th Operations Group from Col. Todd Copeland during a change of command ceremony, June 6, 2014. Arriving from Korea, this is Denehan's third assignment at Minot Air Force Base. In 1996 his first operational assignment as a young Lieutenant was as a B-52H Stratofortress navigator. In 2001 he returned as a Captain and served as the 23rd Bomb Squadron assistant director of operations and 5th Bomb Wing executive officer. "I am extremely happy to be back at Minot Air Force Base," Denehan said. "Sometimes we get caught up in our day-to-day jobs, but we must never forget the combat capability Minot Air Force Base gives our country, and all of you are part of that." The 5th OG is the backbone of the 5th Bomb Wing, providing the aircrews who fly the wing's B-52H Stratofortress. The 5th OG is comprised of the 23rd Bomb Squadron, 69th Bomb Squadron, and the 5th Operations Support Squadron. "I'm humbled to fill the shoes of Todd Copeland," Denehan said during the ceremony. "He is the epitome of leadership, mentor and warrior." Copeland will be heading to Edwards Air Force Base, California.