Garrido assumes command of the 552nd Maintenance Squadron
Photo By Garrett Cole |
Members of the honor guard prepare to present the colors during the 552nd Maintenance......read moreread more
Photo By Garrett Cole | Members of the honor guard prepare to present the colors during the 552nd Maintenance Squadron assumption of command ceremony at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, July 10, 2026. The ceremony marked the beginning of Lt. Col. Samantha C. Garrido’s command of the squadron.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Garrett N. Cole) see less
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Garrido assumes command of the 552nd Maintenance Squadron
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — Lt. Col. Samantha C. Garrido assumed command of the 552nd Maintenance Squadron during a ceremony July 10. Garrido will lead the Airmen responsible for maintaining and supporting the E-3 Sentry fleet, both on the flight line and throughout the squadron's back shops.
Col. Bryan M. Florio, 552nd Maintenance Group commander, presided over the ceremony. He welcomed Garrido, her husband, Antonio, and their son, Austin, to the squadron's Bulldog family.
The ceremony was held as an assumption of command rather than a traditional change of command because the previous commander had departed before formally passing the squadron guidon.
Before Garrido accepted command, Florio recognized the squadron's accomplishments during the past two years.
During that period, the 552nd Maintenance Squadron supported approximately 9,000 flying hours while meeting formal training, operational readiness, and combat requirements. Squadron Airmen completed more than 53,700 maintenance actions, conducted more than 2,400 inspections, and performed nine isochronal inspections.
The squadron also supported maintenance operations at other locations, including Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and Kadena Air Base, Japan.
While the work of an aircraft maintenance squadron is often visible on the flight line, much of the 552nd Maintenance Squadron's work takes place behind the scenes. Its Airmen serve in aerospace ground equipment, fabrication, maintenance, and accessories flights, providing the support needed to keep aircraft flying.
Florio said the Airmen's efforts ensure the E-3 remains ready whenever the nation calls. Their responsibilities continue through weekends, deployments, exercises, and contingency operations.
Florio also highlighted Garrido's experience working with several aircraft communities throughout her career. Her background includes work with the F-16 Fighting Falcon, KC-10 Extender, C-17 Globemaster III, U-2 Dragon Lady, and E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft.
Before arriving at Tinker, Garrido commanded the 595th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. There, she led maintainers who supported four E-4B aircraft.
During her first remarks as commander, Garrido acknowledged that the contributions of maintenance squadrons are not always visible, despite the important role they play in generating airpower.
"While there is always a lot of focus on AMXS, we cannot forget the importance of the role that we play in making the mission happen, not only locally but across the Air Force," Garrido said.
Garrido said her leadership approach would focus on discipline and accountability. She added that those expectations would begin with her and the squadron's senior leaders.
"In our line of work, things like shortcuts, insubordination, and violations of standards can lead to severe mission impact at best, and at worst, it can cost a life," Garrido said.
As she begins her new role, Garrido said she looks forward to learning more about each of the squadron's flights, caring for its Airmen, and strengthening the squadron's support for the wing's mission.
