PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- In a change of command ceremony held on Sunday of the March Unit Training Assembly here, Lt. Col. Alexander DeGracia took command of the Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing's C-130 squadron.
Lieutenant Colonel DeGracia joined the military two weeks out of high school as an enlisted Coast Guardsman and has never looked back. DeGracia continued his military career with his desire of flying. An Air Force ROTC scholarship gave him the stepping stone he needed to become an Air Force pilot with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard. The Colonel has held numerous leadership positions throughout his career. His most recent position was chief, Total Force Enterprise/Total Force Integrations program manager at Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins, Air Force Base, Ga.
DeGracia will now be responsible for the overall combat training and readiness of more than 90 Airmen and the operations for five HC-130P/N King and one WC-130 aircraft. The 39th RQS plans and executes rapid worldwide deployments in support of national security, global military objectives and humanitarian operations.
"I have some big shoes to fill, this is a tremendous opportunity," DeGracia said. "You can expect leadership; I plan to lead from the front."
Lieutenant colonel DeGracia replaces Lt. Col. Jeffrey Hannold who has accepted the position of chief of standardization and evaluation for the 920th RQW Operations Group.
"I'm a happy man, so there it is, no joke, no quote, not very eloquent, but simple and to the point, thank you, thank you very much for all you have given to me, Hannold said to members of the 39th RQS. "If we were outside now would be the time when the 39th RQS renders their final salute, but truth be told, it is I who salutes you, thank you very much."
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