Passing the air refueling baton

Col. Ryan Samuelson stood in front of hundreds of airmen, local dignitaries and family as he said, "I assume command."

Samuelson took command of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing from Col. Brian McDaniel during a July 19 ceremony. McDaniel, who has been the commander of the 92nd for the last two years, will return to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., for his next assignment.

Prior to taking command at Fairchild, Samuelson was head of the 379th Expeditionary Operations Group, 379th Expeditionary Wing at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. He entered the Air Force in 1993 after he graduated from Purdue University and earned his pilot's wings at Laughlin Air Force Base in 1999. Throughout his military career, Samuelson has served as an instructor pilot, tanker/airlift control element flight commander and presidential advance agent and operations officer while participating in various operations.

Lt. Gen. Samuel Cox, commander, 18th Air Force, Scott Air Force Base Ill., who also presided over the ceremony, said Samuelson understands the importance of developing leaders and giving them opportunities.

"Ryan is No. 1 in every single thing he's done," Cox said. "Welcome to the team."

Prior to relinquishing his command, McDaniel received the Legion of Merit Award. He gave a speech where he thanked his family, the airmen and the communities for their support.

"You all have a place in my heart," McDaniel said. "I will never forget this chapter in my life."

Cox praised McDaniel for his leadership at Fairchild in the last two years. He listed the various honors Fairchild has received under McDaniel's command, including winning the Omaha Trophy, which is given out annually to selected units in one of five categories that best support the United States Strategic Command's strategic deterrence, space and cyberspace missions.

"The list of accomplishments here at Fairchild is incredible," Cox said. "Brian you've created an environment where innovative thinking is a positive thing."

McDaniel also told Samuelson and his family to "be ready as the next two years will fly by."

"This wing is made up of dedicated airmen who are ready to serve you," McDaniel said.

After he accepted command, Samuelson thanked his family for understanding the sacrifices that come with Air Force life. He said he is "honored" to be chosen to lead Fairchild and told McDaniel that he "will not let you down."

"I will take care of this family that you've let me join," Samuelson said.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].