Schmitt assumes command of 434th OSS

Published Feb. 27, 2015
By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota
434th Air Refueling Wing

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Airmen, family and friends gathered to witness a long-held tradition in which one of Grissom's units transfers authority from one officer to another.

Lt. Col. Dave Schmitt took command of the 434th Operations Support Squadron during an assumption of command ceremony here Feb. 6.

Col. Gerard Malloy, 434th Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony and said Schmitt would bring with him the wisdom and experience needed to do the job.

"It's a special day for the OSS; we have a great incoming commander here," said Malloy. "He has done an outstanding job and has great attention to detail at everything he has done since he joined the unit.

"Right after meeting him, I could tell he was a sharp individual, and his track record speaks for itself," added Malloy.

During the ceremony, Schmitt thanked all of those who had supported him throughout his career and discussed how those individuals would influence his leadership.

"I very much appreciate the mentorship from the individuals whom have surrounded me throughout my career," said Schmitt. "What you've taught me will help me exemplify 'serving with significance' in my future."

"Serving with significance" is a phrase Schmitt uses to describe the significance and pride of an Airman's service to their country and serves a model in which he hopes to continue serving, he explained.

"As you rise in the ranks and really start to understand the noble profession we are involved in you understand the significance of serving," he added. "I hope that modeling those who served that I too can serve with significance, I hope to have a positive impact on the people that I work with every day, I hope to exercise wisdom with the resources, and to execute the mission, and upon my departure I hope to share with you a sense that the 434th OSS is a little better than when I first came here."

As a pilot, Schmitt has flown several airframes including the KC-135R Stratotanker, F15 Eagle, Cessna T-37B, T-38 Talon and Northrop AT-38 Talon accumulating over 4,300 flight hours. While serving as an F-15 pilot, he flew over 40 missions in support of Operation Desert Storm.

While Schmitt placed a large emphasis on resources and ensuring mission effectiveness, the Plainwell, Michigan native, said that none of that is possible without the people.

"I hope to help my people achieve their goals, and ensure they have received the same guidance I received from my mentors," said Schmitt. "When it comes to the mission, if you have the people and the resources the rest will fall into place."

Schmitt, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and a Master's degree in manufacturing management from Kettering University in Michigan, came to Grissom March 2013 as a 74th Air Refueling Squadron operations planner and has been the 434th OSS commander fill-in since October 2014.

The 434th OSS falls under the 434th Air Refueling Wing, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the globe in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Assumption of command

Assumption of command

Schmitt assumes command of 434th OSS

Public Affairs Staff