Doctor’s orders: 319th MDOS appoints new commander Published June 27, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Lt. Col. Marie P. Colasanti was appointed commander of the 319th Medical Operations Squadron during an assumption-of-command ceremony here June 24. "It truly is a privilege and an honor to become the commander of the 319th MDOS," said the Montana native. "I look forward to leading and working alongside the men and women of this squadron." Col. Jane Denton, 319th Medical Group commander, was present to administer the ceremony and share remarks about the base's newest squadron commander. "We are very fortunate to have Colonel Colasanti here at Grand Forks," Colonel Denton said. "I know she will do a wonderful job." Colonel Colasanti replaced Lt. Col. Laura Place, acting interim commander for the 319th MDOS, who was filling in for deployed Lt. Col. David Cockrum. Colonel Colasanti traded sandy beaches and tropical skies to become a Warrior of the North, having previously served as the chief of mental health services at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.