FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Team Fairchild welcomed Col. Ryan Samuelson during the 92nd Air Refueling Wing change of command ceremony at Fairchild Air Force Base July 19.
Samuelson assumed command of the 92nd ARW from Col. Brian McDaniel, the ceremony was officiated by Lt. Gen. Samuel Cox, 18th Air Force commander.
“We will continue to expand on the air refueling center of excellence ideology already deeply rooted throughout Fairchild,” Samuelson said. “’Fueling freedom’s fight,’ those are not just hollow words. They’re synonymous with passion, heritage, distinction and accomplishment for this great wing and this base.”
Before coming to Fairchild, Samuelson was the commander of the 379th Expeditionary Operations Group, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.
Samuelson entered the Air Force in 1993 after graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. After joining, he was stationed at Wright–Patterson AFB, Ohio. Originally, as an acquisition officer, he was selected for specialized undergraduate pilot training which led to him earning his wings in 1999 from Laughlin AFB, Texas. Samuelson’s education also includes a Master of Arts in Business Administration from Webster University. He has participated in operations Southern Watch, Joint Forge, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
His decorations include a Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, an Air Medal, AF Commendation Medal and an AF Achievement Medal.
“We will continue to focus on our mission,” Samuelson said. “To fully engage our Airmen, their families and the community. To foster feedback at all levels and to find innovative solutions to achieve our goals and to tackle our challenge.”
McDaniel will be assigned as vice commander, 618th Air Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center) at Scott AFB, Illinois.