Photo By Staff Sgt. Whitney Erhart | U.S. Air National Guard Col. Joshua Fogle, left, commander of the 157th Air Operations...... read more read more
The Missouri Air National Guard’s 257th Combat Operations Flight was officially redesignated the 257th Combat Operations Squadron during a ceremony Aug. 1, 2025 at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Station, Missouri.
The change was spurred by the new squadron’s growth in manpower, from 31 to 63 personnel, as well as a widening in scope of responsibility and preparation for future operations.
U.S. Air National Guard Col. Glen Hawley, 257th COS commander, described the significance of becoming a squadron. “[This] represents far more than a simple organizational restructuring; it marks a pivotal moment in recognizing the extraordinary capabilities and contributions this unit has delivered to our nation’s defense. Over the past several years what began as a supporting element has evolved into an indispensable force multiplier seamlessly integrating into the 608th Air Operation Center and proving essential to both training exercises and real-world operations.”
The 257th serves critical roles in support of global strike operations to provide long-range precision strike anytime, anywhere. The squadron is also extending its capabilities to support nuclear command, control and communications operations, maintaining the nation’s safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrence in an increasingly complex global environment.
Maj. Nicholas Campbell, 257th COS information operations officer said, “the mission of the 257th is to be an augmentation force for the 608th Air Operations Center. We essentially provide all functions of an AOC in our one squadron instead of it being divided up to different divisions. We have our operations, our strategy, our plans, intelligence and communication divisions, and we assist however the active duty unit needs us to.”
Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Nodurft, the Senior Enlisted Leader of the 257th COS, described how this change is not only important to Airmen but also state and national leaders.
“With us being a squadron, it proves to our Airmen, who are doing outstanding work, that they’re important to our mission to get the trust, confidence and resources allotted to grow,” Nodurft said. “I think it shows at the highest level that [leaders are] willing to invest in us, because they see what we do is important and that there is a ton of opportunity for growth.”
The future of the COS allows Airmen to advance their careers and experience, whether their goal is promotion or change of occupation, said Nodurft.
The 257th will strengthen readiness to prepare for the arrival using next-generation platforms like the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, to face the evolving demands of great power competition. These goals are to prepare the squadron to meet the complex operational demands of tomorrow’s battlefield while continuing to excel in the critical training and mission they perform today.
“From providing command and control for precision strikes against hostile forces in Yemen to managing complex multi-domain exercises spanning the globe, this unit has demonstrated time and again that its impact extends far beyond its original scope,” said Hawley.
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2025 14:32 |
| Story ID: | 547548 |
| Location: | ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, US |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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