Photo By Staff Sgt. Brittany Cannon | Lt. Col. Lyn Cleveland accepts command of the 157th Combat Operations Squadron at...... read more read more
JEFFERSON BARRACKS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mo. — The 157th Combat Operations Squadron welcomed a new commander Saturday as Lt. Col. Lyn Cleveland accepted command of the unit here.
Col. William Boothman, 157th Air Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony in which Lt. Col. James Hendren relinquished command moments before Cleveland stepped into the role. Boothman spoke of the high-caliber leadership of both commanders, but emphasized what Cleveland is bringing to the unit.
“This was the absolute best decision,” Boothman said. “The service before self could not speak louder. He lives it and he expects it from you in return.”
After assuming command, Cleveland addressed the crowd and the Guardsmen now under his charge.
“I can’t say enough about the talent and the hard chargers we have in this unit,” Cleveland said. It’s the best I’ve seen in 15 years. I am in awe of the talent and experience you all bring to the fight.”
Cleveland previously served as the combat plans chief of the 157th AOG.
Cleveland recalled the transformation the unit has undergone in the last year and a half. The 157th AOG was realigned under the 131st Bomb Wing, three new squadrons were stood up, and much effort has been put in to ensuring connectivity between Whiteman and Jefferson Barracks, which Cleveland said has helped his members tremendously by alleviating many administrative obstacles and allowing them to focus more on the mission.
“We started out as a little group here on the east side of the state and it has been a great transformation,” Cleveland said. “I’m truly honored to be a member of this unit, truly honored to be leading and truly honored to work with all of you.”
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.02.2017 16:51 |
| Story ID: | 257186 |
| Location: | JEFFERSON BARRACKS, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 773 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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