Bofferding takes reins of 548th CTS

Photo By Chuck Cannon | Lt. Col. Steven M. Bofferding (second from left) receives the colors of the 548th Combat Training Squadron from Col. Raymond G. Millero Jr., commander, 57th Operations Group, 57th Wing, during a change of command ceremony April 23 at Fort Polk’s Warrior Field. Bofferding replaces Lt. Col. Robert A. Burdette (far left). (Photo by Chuck Cannon)  

FORT POLK, LOUISIANA, UNITED STATES

04.27.2018

Story by Chuck Cannon 

Fort Johnson Public Affairs Office

FORT POLK, La. — Lt. Col. Steven M. Bofferding assumed command of the 548th Combat Training Squadron during a change of command ceremony April 23 at Fort Polk’s Warrior Field.
Bofferding replaced Lt. Col Robert A. Burdette. Burdette, an A-10 pilot, is headed for an assignment at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tuscon, Arizona.
Col. Raymond G. Millero Jr., commander, 57th Operations Group, 57th Wing, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, served as presiding officer for the ceremony. As the first speaker, he thanked the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk leadership for their support to the 548th CTS and for attending the ceremony.
After giving a brief history of the 548th, Millero turned his comments to Burdette.
“It is a privilege to lead such a proud squadron and a great team of professionals,” he told Burdette. “You have done an outstanding job of leading them. Despite all the challenges, you have been able to persevere and find new ways to innovate, integrate and improve joint training. Thank you for your courage and professionalism leading this team of Warriors.”
Millero next turned his comments to Bofferding.
“You come to us with expertise ideally suited to executing the mission here,” he said. “I have no doubt you will build upon the efforts of (Burdette) and continue to progress the squadron to new heights. I know with the support of your wife, your Family and the Black Cat family, you will succeed.
Next to speak was Burdette. After thanking those responsible for planning the ceremony and his Family and friends, he turned to the members of his unit — the Black Cats.
“Together, over the last two years, we have made this a much more professional and agile unit,” he said. “You have supported JRTC and our ASOS (Air Support Operations Squadrons) partners through the feast and famine of air support. You have embraced the new normal of live/virtual/constructive CAS (close air support) to our training audiences.”
Burdette spoke about the work between the Black Cats and other agencies and installations.
“You have supported fighter, bomber, light attack, joint and coalition aircrew and maintenance personnel at Barksdale (Air Force Base),” he said. “You have worked with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to literally redraw the airspace above this exercise to better support the military and industry.”
Burdette also addressed his successor.
“Your team is ready,” he said. “You have a perfect mix of experience and new blood in front of you … your new energy, perspective and ideas will be key, as I believe your team is at an inflection point with how best to serve your partners at JRTC. I have no doubt that you will be successful.”
Bofferding told those in attendance how pleased he was with his new assignment.
“To say I’m excited to be a part of the team is an understatement,” he said “You are professionals and specialists and your dedication to training thousands of airmen and Soldiers is unmatched. I look forward to working for you and am honored to call myself a 548th Black Cat.”
The mission of the 548th CTS is to conduct advanced, relevant and realistic joint training for current and emerging combat environments at the operational and tactical levels of war.

• Date Taken: 04.27.2018
• Date Posted: 04.27.2018 09:44
• Story ID: 274761
• Location: FORT POLK, LOUISIANA, US