The 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron Changes Command

Photo By Staff Sgt. Brian Speach | Master Sergeant J.J. Little, Stockton California, with Lieutenant Colonel Russel J. Smith attends Change of Command 3 ASOS, Foward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq  

IRAQ

06.14.2006

Courtesy Story

138th Public Affairs Detachment

Lieutenant Colonel Dale Larkin assumed command of the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron from Lt. Col. Russell Smith. Special guests included Col. Steven F. Dreyer, commander, 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group, Central Command Air Forces, Iraq and Col. Michael Shields, commander, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

"I just met this man last night, on my tour of Forward Operating Base Marez. I never heard the word "I" come out of his mouth, it was always "We"," said Dreyer. "The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team has been great innovators. Lt. Col. Smith has led the way with the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron helping achieve their mission on a whole new level."

Smith, from Birmingham, Mich., assumed command of the 3rd Air Spt. Ops. Sqdn. in 2003 while deployed with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan.

"This command has been a blessing to me." he said. "We would not have been this successful if it was not for the outstanding NCO Corps and for the love and support of my wife Trisha."

"We had a few "firsts" during my command," said Smith. "Two of the most notable were the first the air support operations squadron in a Stryker and the first Air Force unit to wear ACUs [advanced camouflage uniforms]. If there is one person I must thank for keeping me alive and safe each and every time I went outside the wire that would be Master Sgt. J.J. Little. Little was my right-hand man and one the finest NCOs I have ever had under my command. I know you will go on to do great things under Lt. Col. Larkin's watch."

Larkin, a native of Seattle, Wash. and combat weather and logistics officer prior to taking command, said, "I see I have very big shoes to fill and I expect to pick up where my predecessor left off and achieve even more. I take this command at a critical time, I know the end of your tour is near and I implore you not to become complacent in your jobs or your vigilance while on patrol."

Smith will now report to the Air Doctrine Center, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama for his next assignment.

"This was a great command," said Smith. "Where I am going now I still will have a piece that involves me with the Air Support Operations Command."

• Date Taken: 06.14.2006
• Date Posted: 06.14.2006 14:30
• Story ID: 6808
• Location: IQ