Reserve wing recognizes newest squadron, commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Anna-Marie Wyant
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force Reserve Command's 920th Rescue Wing recognized the first commander of a newly stood-up squadron at an assumption of command ceremony here June 4.

The men and women of the 920th Security Forces Squadron, formerly a detachment, stood in formation in their service dress uniforms as they watched their first commander, Maj. Molly A. Long, assume command. The new squadron is part of the 920th Mission Support Group. Col. George E. Raeder, 920th MSG commander, presided over the ceremony and recognized the accomplishments and upcoming challenges for the squadron and its new commander.

"The 920th Security Forces Squadron has come a long way, but certainly has a lot to do," Colonel Raeder said.

He spoke highly of Major Long, a traditional Reservist who is currently on active-duty orders as the assistant inspector general at U.S. Southern Command Headquarters in Miami.

"[Major Long] is very well prepared to take on these challenges. She's got a solid background in law enforcement... She comes into the job with some very unique experience, and I'm sure she's going to be very successful with it," he said.

Before officially giving Major Long command of the 920th SFS, Colonel Raeder wished her well in her new position and highlighted the uniqueness of commanding a developing squadron.

"Major Long, I promise you, this will be the best job you have in your Air Force career. It will be the most challenging you've ever had, but it will also be the most rewarding," he said.

After sharing his words of wisdom, Colonel Raeder passed a 920th SFS flag to Major Long. Once she got a hold of the flagpole, Major Long said, "I assume command," and saluted Colonel Raeder. This longstanding Air Force tradition symbolized her official assumption of command.

After assuming command, Major Long, a native of Denver, Colo., addressed her new squadron for the first time. She asked anyone in the crowd who had advice for her to write it down and share it with her, because she sees the value in learning from others. She also mentioned her open door policy.

"Questions and concerns about anything you see or hear are welcome, as my door is always open to those both ahead of me and behind me in my chain of command," she said.

Major Long said she was looking forward to her future with her new squadron.

"In the end, it is about the team; together we will succeed or fail," she said. "I'm very proud to be the newest member of an already highly successful and accomplished team."

Major Long graduated with Bachelor of Science in psychology from Seattle Pacific University in 1997 and is slated to receive a Master of Military Arts and Sciences from Air University in August 2011. Major Long was commissioned through the Air Force Officer Training School in 1999. Her former assignments include: special agent, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Washington and the Middle East; executive officer to the directorate of admissions, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.; section commander, 940th Missile Squadron, Malstrom Air Force Base, Mont.; inspector general, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany.