Photo By Senior Airman Emily Bloodworth | U.S. Air Force Col. Zak Blom, 492nd Special Operations Wing commander, left, passes...... read more read more
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. – Airmen from across the 492nd Special Operations Wing gathered June 1, 2026, at Hurlburt Field, to witness a change of responsibility ceremony, marking the transition of the wing’s command chief from Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Moore to Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Macella.
Steeped in military tradition and heritage, the ceremony is centered on the passing of the wing colors from Moore to Macella through the 492nd SOW Commander Col. Zak Blom. The symbolic transfer signifies the continuity of enlisted leadership and entrusts the incoming command chief with the responsibility of safeguarding the welfare, readiness and professional development of the wing’s enlisted force.
“The enlisted corps is the backbone of all our capability,” Blom said during the ceremony. “Chief Moore, you have been the standard bearer of that backbone.”
During his tenure as command chief, Moore helped guide the wing through a period of significant transformation, the continued evolution of the wing’s mission portfolio and preparations for the wing’s future relocation to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
Blom credited Moore’s leadership, mentorship and strategic insight with helping shape the future of the organization.
“Under Chief Moore’s leadership, the 492nd hasn’t just met the mission, it defined it,” Blom said. “You didn’t manage change; you shaped it.”
Reflecting on his time as command chief, Moore expressed gratitude for the Airmen and leaders of the wing who executed the mission while navigating unprecedented change.
“Serving as your command chief has been the highest honor of my military career,” said Moore. “Over the past year, we’ve asked you to do the impossible. Through reorganization, platform transitions, mission changes and dispersed operations, your readiness never wavered.”
Moore highlighted the professionalism and adaptability of the wing’s Air Commandos, noting their ability to maintain global operational commitments while simultaneously preparing for future missions and changes.
“You proved that ‘any time, any place, anywhere’ is not just a motto,” said Moore. “It’s our DNA.”
Following the change of responsibility, Macella addressed the formation for the first time as the wing’s new command chief, outlining his priorities for the enlisted force and emphasizing transparency, accountability and capability as the foundation for future success.
“It has already been an honor serving with you for the last year, and it will continue to be an honor,” said Macella. “We stand on the cusp of an opportunity to transform the mighty 492nd into something new.”
Macella acknowledged the way ahead, including the wing’s move to Davis-Monthan and the integration of emerging mission sets and platforms. He emphasized that Airmen will remain the wing’s most valuable resource.
“Through the changes, I promise to never lose sight of our most precious and capable resource, our people,” said Macella.
The incoming command chief challenged Airmen to continue building upon the wing’s legacy by embracing the pursuit of excellence.
“We’ll build the most capable fighting force our nation deserves,” said Macella. “Be transparent. Be accountable. Be relentless.”
The ceremony concluded with the official welcome of Macella and his family to the 492nd SOW command team and recognition of Moore’s service and contributions to the wing.
As the 492nd SOW continues its mission of generating specialized airpower and advancing Air Force Special Operations Command capabilities, the change of responsibility represents both continuity and a renewed commitment to developing Airmen and delivering combat-ready forces worldwide.
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2026 14:54 |
| Story ID: | 567157 |
| Location: | HURLBURT FIELD, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 11 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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