Air Force Lt. Col. Steve Recognized with Assumption of Command Ceremony on Patrick Air Force Base
By 920th Rescue Wing // October 16, 2020
Steve was commissioned into the United States Air Force in 2001

BREVARD COUNTY • PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA – The 39th Rescue Squadron’s Assumption of Command Ceremony for Lt. Col. Steve took place Oct. 2, inside the fuel cell hangar on Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.
“He’s the perfect person to lead the 39th Rescue Squadron,” the 920th Operations Group Commander explained. “Rescue is in his DNA.”
Steve commissioned into the United States Air Force in 2001. During his 19 years of service, he’s garnered experience in the active duty and reserve components of the Air Force.
As a combat systems officer, he manages the mission and integrates systems and crew with the aircraft commander to collectively achieve and maintain situational awareness and mission effectiveness.
“I live by the mantra: ‘Effort takes no talent, never get outworked,’” Steve said. “There are challenges ahead but the 39th is ready to take those on.”
The 39th Rescue Squadron is the fixed-wing squadron under the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick AFB.

The 39th RQS utilizes the HC-130J Combat King II aircraft in its vital mission of personnel recovery in combat and peacetime situations. Its capabilities include helicopter air-to-air refueling, airdrops, command, and control.
The ability to now receive fuel in-flight is due to the nose-mounted electro-optical/infrared sensor as well as a combat systems operator flight deck station.
The command position has been held and executed by him since May but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the official ceremony had been postponed.
In an effort to include as many families, friends, and co-workers as possible in the event, the 920th Rescue Wing offered a Facebook live-stream throughout the entire ceremony while maintaining social distancing.