GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- The 72nd Air Refueling Squadron held a change of command ceremony at Gus Grissom Hall on Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, Sept. 12.
Col. Brian Hollis, 434th Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony in which Lt. Col. Joe Austin transferred command of the 72nd ARS to Maj. Derek Portlock.
During the ceremony, Austin gave thanks to his leadership, family and team.
“I want to say thank you to the men and women of the 72nd, the best squadron,” said Austin. “As I look over the last two-and-a-half years, as I leave the squadron commander position, I want to say 72nd-- job well done.”
Portlock finished the ceremony addressing the 72nd ARS on the upcoming events and deployments.
“I ask you guys to be ready all the time,” said Portlock. “Let’s make this happen and have a good two years, three years, whatever it takes. Let’s have fun. Let’s go to the squadron, let’s get stuff done. Let’s be ready.”
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.
Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.