PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 920th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conducted an assumption of command ceremony Jan. 9, on Patrick Space Force Base, Fla.
It’s a squadron with the heaviest workload and the most demanding airframe that is in constant use at home station as well as overseas. As the helicopters come to the end of their service life, parts availability are decreasing and the ever present battle of corrosion in this environment is a challenge for the unit, the 920th Maintenance Group commander explained.
While the new whiskey model is rolling off the production line, the 920th RQW won’t see its first brand new helicopter until 2025.
“You have your work cut out for you,” the group commander said to the new squadron commander. “But I know you have the leadership skills to face these challenges. You’re an experienced commander, you know sound maintenance, you’re a leader of character and integrity and you understand the rescue mission and the demands it entails.”
The new aircraft maintenance commander explained how, over the last 20 years, the 920th RQW has supported numerous deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Freedom Sentinel, Resolute Support, Inherent Resolve and various other overseas contingency operations in Africa and Southwest Asia. He explained how the squadron has also played a vital role in generating aircraft for disaster relief efforts for Hurricanes Katrina, Ike and Harvey. Additionally, the 920th RQW has also supported both manned and unmanned space flight operations providing range clearing and personnel recovery efforts as the nation seeks to explore and secure the final frontier he continued.
“We’re facing new competitors in a new battlespace, we will be asked to do more with less and solve new problems while we continue to provide safe and effective aircraft maintenance,” the 920th AMXS commander said. “I know that you are ready and more than able to carry out the tasks ahead of you because you have demonstrated time and time again your willingness, your competency, and your dedication to making the mission happen. I know that you will continue to execute our squadron’s motto: improvise, adapt, overcome. I am excited to support your accomplishments to come and will do my absolute best to uphold your impressive legacy.”
The assumption of command ceremony is a military tradition that formally signifies the transfer of responsibility from one commanding officer to another, symbolized through the passing of a guidon.