Combat Training School Changes Command

Photo By Capt. Jered Trujillo | Lt. Col. Meredith Young, commander, Combat Training School, speaks to her team and guests during the change of command. Young graduated from Auburn University and received her commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps in 2007. She graduated Undergraduate Navigator Training in 2008 and has since been qualified as a Combat Systems Officer in the E-8C JSTARS and RC/OC/WC-135 variants  

EINSIEDLERHOF, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, GERMANY

05.25.2023

Story by Capt. Jered Trujillo 

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa   

EINSIEDLERHOF AIR STATION, Germany – U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Meredith Young, assumed command of the United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Warfare Center’s Combat Training School at Einsiedlerhof Air Station, Germany, May 25, 2023.
“It is an absolute honor to be taking command of the CTS today,” said Young, “Lt. Col. Rutell and the team stood up the squadron just two years ago, and they have accomplished some amazing things in such a short time. Thank you to all the squadrons’ plank holders for laying the foundation and doing the heavy lifting to get the Combat Training Squadron up and running. I am committed to being the CTS’s biggest advocate and to keep it successfully moving forward.”
Previously, Young served as the director of personnel for the 461st Operations Group, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, where she directed personnel management for more than 700 personnel operating and supporting the United States Air Force’s only $6.2 billion-dollar Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System fleet.
“Young has supported all geographic combatant commands and brings a global perspective,” said Col. Dean Berck, Commander, United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Warfare Center, who officiated the ceremony. “She is a seasoned aviator with 900 combat hours across two platforms.”
Young graduated from Auburn University and received her commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps in 2007. She graduated Undergraduate Navigator Training in 2008 and has since been qualified as a Combat Systems Officer in the E-8C JSTARS and RC/OC/WC-135 variants.
“I want the members of the CTS to know that I am proud and humbled to be your commander. My job will be to serve you and I pledge to make you and the CTS my priority,” said Young.
Lt. Col. Ethan A. Rutell, outgoing commander, relinquished command of the Combat Training School to Berck before being passed on to Young.
“One thing that hit home was Rutell’s leadership, which resulted in his organization winning a United States Air Force level award, two Major Command awards, a Wing Team of the Year award, and two Warfare Center’s Team of the Year,” said Berck. “I think Rutell has created an effective culture of excellence.”
The Combat Training School develops joint and coalition integrated air and missile defense forces through tailored academics, assessments, experimentation, and wargaming in collaboration with key partners.

• Date Taken: 05.25.2023
• Date Posted: 06.13.2023 09:38
• Story ID: 446206
• Location: EINSIEDLERHOF, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE