Guardian Angels welcome new commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 308th Rescue Squadron Guardian Angel Citizen Airmen welcomed their new commander, Lt. Col. Timothy Hanks, during a change of command ceremony Nov. 4, 2017 at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute.

Hanks comes to the 920th Rescue Wing from Special Operations Command Central, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, where he worked as the deputy director of emerging threat.

“Lt. Col. Hanks has strong credentials and will bring the experience required to serve as the 308th RQS commander,” said Col. Michael LoForti, 920th Operations Group commander, who presided over the ceremony. “He has served as both a pararescue Instructor and combat rescue officer for over 24 years in the Air Force.

“In addition, he is a proven leader serving as a director of operations at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and Moody AFB, Georgia; as well as serving as a commander at Eielson AFB, Alaska, and Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. His breadth and depth of experience and leadership are a perfect fit for the 308th RQS, 920th RQW, and Air Force Reserve Command.”

Hanks said he is excited to command such a prestigious unit, which he first crossed paths with in 1994, when he was assigned to the 41st RQS, an active duty Guardian Angel unit stationed at Patrick AFB at the time.

“Right across the street was the 308th, which allowed me the opportunity to work closely with experienced warriors,” he said. “I witnessed first-hand the professionalism, dedication, and love for the mission that still holds true today. Throughout my career, the 308th has always been identified as the beacon of excellence in maritime operation and a depth of experienced operators. I am honored to serve with these warriors.”

Hanks said his primary focus as the unit’s commander will be to ensure the Citizen Airmen have the right tools to accomplish their mission.

“Zeroing in on getting them the right training, required equipment, and state-of-the-art facilities in order to perform the mission is my focus,” he said. “Understanding that we all face significant challenges in this fiscal environment, I firmly believe that our 920th leaders are working towards developing long term solutions in ensuring our Airmen are ready for the rescue mission – anytime, anywhere.”

In concert with this focus, Hanks said he will also work to find avenues of preserving the force and families.

“This will include working closely with our key spouse program and striving to find ways for our families to voice their concerns so they feel part of the rescue mission,” he said.

Hanks commissioned in December 2002. He is a master aircrew member, military free fall and static line master parachutist, diver supervisor and has flight and combat hours in the HH-60G, MH-60G, HC-130E/P/N/J and CH-53.