493rd Fighter Squadron conducts aerial assumption of command

Photo By Capt. Aaron Moshier | An F-15C Eagle flies over an undisclosed location in Southeast Asia in honor of the 493rd Fighter Squadron assumption of command for incoming commander Lt. Col. Anthony May during a mission supporting ongoing theater operations, February 28, 2019. The 493rd is a combat-ready squadron capable of executing air superiority and air defense missions in support of United States Air Forces in Europe, United States European Command, and NATO operations. (Courtesy photo)  

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04.12.2019

Story by Airman 1st Class Shanice Ship 

48th Fighter Wing

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --
The 493rd Fighter Squadron conducted an aerial assumption of command ceremony in the skies over Southeast Asia, Feb. 28.

Lt. Col. Anthony May, 493rd FS incoming commander, assumed command from Lt. Col. Cody Blake, the 493rd FS outgoing commander. The assumption of command ceremony is a military tradition that formally signifies the transfer of responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another.

The transference of authority is usually symbolized through the passing of a guidon. However, due to a very short-notice deployment, the 493rd FS conducted an exceptional aerial ceremony with a flag in the cockpit and the official oath recited over the radio.

“Lt. Col. May assumed command of the Reapers at an undisclosed location while airborne in his F-15C Eagle,” said Col. Jason Camilletti, 48th Operations Group commander. “That’s not how we normally envision changes of command, but I’m certain it was truly a memorable experience.”

The Reapers deployed in support of Baltic and Icelandic Air Policing, exercises in Africa, and operations in Syria while under the command of Blake.

“Lt. Col. Blake served the Liberty Wing extremely well as Reaper 1,” said Camilletti. “He ensured the squadron was ready to deliver responsive combat airpower and to secure the sovereign skies each and every time they were called upon to do so.”

Prior to assuming command, May served as the director of operations for the 493rd FS.

“While it’s always difficult to say goodbye to good people, we are very excited to have Lt. Col. May as the commander of the 493rd FS,” Camilletti said. “May has led at all levels of tactical aviation, including instructing at our weapons school, and we are excited to see where he takes the squadron as Reaper 1.”

Squadron commanders have a substantial responsibility to consistently and wisely lead Airmen, complete the mission and enhance the units they have been charged to lead. May expressed his eagerness to serve as the squadron’s commander.

“The Reaper family is currently demonstrating the reason we exist in Europe - rapid deployment of global air dominance and leading this team in combat is the chance of a lifetime,” said May.

• Date Taken: 04.12.2019
• Date Posted: 04.12.2019 02:33
• Story ID: 317844
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)