Security forces Airmen welcome new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Natasa Dowridge
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., --  Reservists from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, gathered to celebrate Capt. Robert Costa assuming command of the 920th RQW Security Forces Squadron July 12 during a unit training assembly.

Costa succeeds Maj. Molly Long, who served as the squadron's first commander from May 2011 to March 2014.

Long has been selected for reassignment as an individual mobilization augmentee to the commander of the 50th Security Forces Squadron, Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. Prior to taking command of the squadron, Long served as assistant inspector general for investigations and intelligence oversight for the U.S. Southern Command, Miami.

Chief Master Sgt. Ronald Colaninno, 920th security forces squadron manager, said it is exciting to have a member of the rescue wing take command.

Prior to assuming command, Costa served as the executive officer for the 920th Maintenance Group and 920th Mission Support Group, PAFB. As the security forces commander, he is now tasked with the training, equipping and deployment of security forces personnel in support of Air Force Reserve Command.

Costa is inheriting a mission ready squadron, Colaninno said.

The 920th Security Forces Squadron includes more than 60 personnel who are tasked to perform air base defense, resource protection, weapon system security and small arms training.

Costa was born in New York. He joined the Air Force in 1985 before becoming a reservist with the 90th Aerial Port Squadron, Homestead Air Force Base, Fla., in Feb. 1989. Costa has a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Central Florida. He was commissioned in November 2005.