Austin takes command of 72nd ARS

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Harrison Withrow
  • 434 ARW Public Affairs
Deeply rooted in military tradition since the middle ages, change of command ceremonies afford service members the opportunity to witness the symbolic passing of the torch in the presence of friends, family members and fellow Airmen.

And keeping true to that tradition, Lt. Col. Joe Austin, 72nd Air Refueling Squadron commander accepted the guidon and command of the 72nd ARS during a change of command ceremony here April 7.

“Folks, I am excited to take over the best air refueling squadron in the United States Air Force,” he proclaimed. “Not the best in the Reserve, or the Guard and Reserve, but the best in the entire Air Force.

“What makes it the best is our people,” he added.

Austin continued by laying out his list of priorities for meeting the demands placed upon the squadron in the near future.

“First, we have to continue the excellence that this squadron has displayed,” he said. “Second, we need to take care of each other.

“Lastly, everyone must stay ready to the best of their ability,” Austin added.

Austin closed his remarks by emphasizing his faith in the squadron’s ability to meet new challenges head-on.

“The next few years aren’t going to be easy, but they’re going to be great,” he said.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The Citizen Airmen from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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