477th Fighter Group welcomes new commander

by Capt. Ashley Conner
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

11/5/2012 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Col. Tyler Otten became the 477th Fighter Group commander during a change of command ceremony here Nov. 2.

Otten was passed the reins of leadership from Col. Bryan Radliff who will go on to take command of the 419th FW at Hill AFB, Utah.

Under Radliff's command the group reached Full Operational Capability and passed the Compliance Unit Inspection, which was the first inspection since the group was activated in 2007.

"It is bitter sweet to leave this command but I know that under Col. Otten's leadership this group will go on to do amazing things," said Radliff.

Otten came to the 477th FG in January 2012 from Hill AFB, Utah where he served as the 466th FS commander. Prior to taking command Otten served as the 477th FG deputy commander.

"I look forward to the challenges I will face as commander but more importantly I look forward to serving with the great men and women in the 477th FG," said Otten.

During the ceremony Brig. Gen. William Binger, 10th Air Force commander lauded Radliff's accomplishments as commander and said "that without a doubt Col. Otten will build upon the accomplishment of Col. Radliff and take the group to the next level."

Otten is native of Marysville, Washington, received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988 with a degree in Human Factors Engineering. He graduated from Euro NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training at Sheppard AFB, Texas in 1989. Otten began his career flying F-16's and transitioned to the F-22 in June 2012.