Expressing immense gratitude

Lt. Col. Brian Eberling, former 509th Weapons Squadron commander, thanks his Airmen, friends, coworkers and family for their dedication to the mission and teamwork during the 509th WPS change of command ceremony July 17, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Eberling has deployed in support of Operations Allied Force and Enduring Freedom, and is a command pilot with more than 3,700 flight hours. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sam Fogleman)

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Swapping the reins

Col. Michael Drowley, U.S. Air Force Weapons School commandant, takes the 509th Weapons Squadron guidon from Lt. Col. Brian Eberling, former 509th WPS commander, during the 509th WPS change of command ceremony July 17, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. The change of command ceremony is an official, formal and brief ceremony that is the military’s way of bestowing command responsibility of a unit from one officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sam Fogleman)

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Laying out expectations

Lt. Col. John Kelley, 509th Weapons Squadron commander, explains his priorities and expectations over the next few years during the 509th WPS change of command ceremony July 17, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Kelley now leads the squadron after having served as its operations officer. He has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and is a senior pilot with more than 3,500 flight hours. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Sam Fogleman)

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Weapons squadron loads new leadership

Published July 17, 2015
By Senior Airman Sam Fogleman
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Lt. Col. John Kelley took the reins as the 509th Weapons Squadron commander from Lt. Col. Brian Eberling here July 17.

Kelley previously served as the operations officer for the squadron.

The change of command ceremony is an official, formal and brief ceremony that is the military's way of bestowing command responsibility of a unit from one officer to another. This ceremony formalizes the change of command by the passing of the symbol of command, the squadron guidon, from the relinquishing commander to the gaining commander.

During the exchange, the flag is entrusted to the squadron first sergeant, symbolically expressing the special trust and responsibility of his position as the primary representative of the unit's enlisted members and NCOs.

Col. Michael Drowley, the U.S. Air Force Weapons School commandant, presided over the ceremony.

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Expressing immense gratitude

Swapping the reins

Laying out expectations