ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The 494th Fighter Squadron conducted a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, March 8.
Lt. Col. Jaina L. Donberg, 494th FS incoming commander, assumed command from Lt. Col. Morgan P. Lohse, the 494th FS outgoing commander.
Donberg oversaw the operational support of three combat-ready squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15C Eagle fighter aircraft in her previous role as the 48th Operations Support Squadron director of operations.
The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that formally signifies the transfer of responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another, symbolized through the passing of a guidon.
“Lt. Col. ‘Jester’ Lohse’s tenure as Panther 1 was remarkable,” said Col. Jason Camilletti, 48th Operations Group commander. “Highlights include not only a record-breaking deployment in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, but numerous other high visibility operations such as the incredible Mi Amigo memorial flypast in Sheffield just two weeks ago.”
Lohse, who is headed to Ramstein Air Base, Germany to serve on the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Force Africa headquarters staff, reflected on his time leading the squadron.
“Today is a great day to recognize the team accomplishments of the 494th Fighter Squadron over the last year,” said Lohse. “It has been an honor to serve the men and women of the 494th, and Lt. Col. Donberg is the right leader to continue the Panthers’ tradition of excellence.”
Camilletti shared his confidence in the new commander’s abilities.
“As sad as it is to bid the Lohses farewell, we are equally excited to bring the Donbergs in,” said Camilletti. “There is no doubt in my mind that the squadron will remain in incredible hands with Lt. Col. ‘Jeckel’ Donberg as the new Panther 1. She brings the perfect blend of tactical credibility and strategic experience to the squadron.”
Donberg, who was accompanied by her husband and son, expressed her thoughts on her new responsibility.
“I’m honored to take command of USAFE’s ‘Finest, Baddest, Meanest’ fighter squadron”, said Donberg
Date Taken: | 03.08.2019 |
Date Posted: | 03.11.2019 05:11 |
Story ID: | 313748 |
Location: | RAF LAKENHEATH, SUFFOLK, GB |
Web Views: | 374 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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