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Aviation Detachment: New commander, continuing bilateral partnership

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Paul Gorman
  • 115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LASK AIR BASE, Poland --  U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Repak took command of Detachment 1, 52nd Operations Group, from Lt. Col. Jack Harman during a ceremony at Lask Air Base, Poland, Sept. 18, 2015.

Col. Michael Thompson, 52nd Operations Group commander, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, presided over the change-of-command ceremony with more than 100 U.S. and Polish Airmen in attendance.

The event took place during Aviation Detachment Rotation 15-4, which involves eight U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft from the 480th Fighter Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and eight F-16s from the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, as well as nearly 100 supporting personnel from the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

"While today's ceremony signifies the passing of the torch from one commander to another, it also signifies our continued resolve and commitment to our Polish partners and friends," Thompson said.

Repak, a command pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours, highlighted the role the Aviation Detachment Airmen conduct.

"I am truly humbled by this opportunity to build upon a rich history of Polish and American relations," said Repak during his first address to the squadron. "I look forward to continuing this legacy, and am confident the outstanding relationship formed by [Lt. Col. Harmon] and his outstanding team of Av-Det professionals will only become stronger."

A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding office to another.