PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Florida -- Change of command ceremonies are part of military tradition, which signify the transfer of leadership from one commander to the next. The 920th Operations Support Squadron hailed their new commander as they sent off Lt. Col. Scott Nichols to the 301st Rescue Squadron.
The 920th Operations Group commander, Col. Michael LoForti, passed the unit’s guidon to the new 920th OSS commander, Maj. Ricardo Montana.
Although Montana is the new operations support squadron commander, he is no stranger to the rescue mission since he came from the 308th Rescue Squadron as a combat rescue officer. Montana has been in the military for more than 30 years and previously served as a pararescueman, as well as in the Army.
The 920th OSS is part of the 920th Rescue Wing and made up of Reserve Citizen Airmen from around the country. The squadron’s mission is to ensure the operation of the wing’s HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130N King aircraft are capable to conduct worldwide civil and combat rescue operations.