Clear welcomes a familiar face as new commander

Photo By Chief Master Sgt. Paul Mann | Col. Rich Adams passes the 213th Space Warning Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Michael Scadden during a change of command ceremony July 17, 2018, at Clear AFS, Alaska. Scadden assumed command of the remote Alaska unit from Lt. Col. John Oberst, who was selected as vice commander for the 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Paul Mann)  

FAIRBANKS, AK, UNITED STATES

07.20.2018

Story by Senior Master Sgt. Paul Mann 

168th Wing

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – Lt. Col. Michael Scadden assumed command of the 213th Space Warning Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, from Lt. Col. John Oberst during a change of command ceremony at Clear Air Force Station, July 17. Col. Richard Adams, commander of the 168th Operations Group was the presiding officer.

Scadden had recently served as commander of the 168th Communication Flight, a position he had held since March 2017. Prior to his assignment with the 168th CF, Scadden was the assistant operations officer for the 213th.

The 213th Space Warning Squadron falls under the 168th Operations Group on Eielson, and shares Clear’s missile warning, missile defense, and space surveillance mission with its active duty counterpart, the 13th Space Warning Squadron, assigned to the 21st Space Wing, Peterson AFB, Colorado.

“Mike’s background – on active duty, space, missiles, and all of the time that he’s spent here at Clear, made it easy to reassure [the 21st Space Wing] that Mike Scadden was the absolute right person to do the mission out here,” Adams said.

As commander, Scadden is responsible for the nation’s 24/7 missile warning/defense and space situational awareness missions, and for the more than 100 Air National Guardsmen who complete the mission at Clear.

“Lt. Col. Oberst, your strategic vision and leadership has been apparent and has shaped the unit we have today,” Scadden said. “I truly believe that not only the squadron is better from your leadership, but Clear as a whole is better from your command...you have set me and everybody here up for success.”

Lt. Col. Scadden closed the ceremony saying, “Become the most positive, enthusiastic person you know, be generous and have a grateful heart. I’m thrilled to be here again and to serve the squadron and the Alaska Air National Guard.”

• Date Taken: 07.20.2018
• Date Posted: 07.21.2018 14:15
• Story ID: 285211
• Location: FAIRBANKS, AK, US