Combat 'Roos have new commander

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Daniel Butterfield
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --  Lt. Col. Jason Terry assumed command of the 52nd Airlift Squadron from Lt. Col. Patrick Schlichenmeyer during a Change of Command ceremony May 31 here. Terry, a master navigator, was previously the 52nd AS director of operations.

"To the men and women of the 52nd, it is going to continue to be my privilege to serve with you and to lead you," said Terry. "The Combat 'Roos can expect that [wife] Tanya and I want the absolute best for you. We truly desire for you to have the opportunity to excel in all aspects of your life, to not only be great, but to be part of something great."

The active associate 52nd AS joined the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing as part of the U.S. Air Force's Total Force Integration initiative in October 2009.

After four years with the 52nd AS, Schlichenmeyer will move across Colorado Springs to become the Director of Staff to the Commandant of Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

"TFI harnesses the strengths of the guard, reserve and active duty components. And team Peterson, in my opinion, is the best TFI organization in the Air Force," said Schlichenmeyer. "Fifty-second [AS] and 302nd [AW], thank you for showing me, and the Air Force, how TFI should be done. Thank you for allowing me to be part of something special. You have been the finest group of patriots I've ever served with."

Col. Andrew McIntyre, 19th Operations Group commander, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., was the presiding officer for the ceremony.