LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Katz formally assumed command of the 47th Operations Support Squadron during a transfer of responsibility, March 2, 2018, here.
Katz assumed command of the squadron from Lieutenant Colonel Britt Warren during the change of command ceremony. This type of formal military event, dated back to Frederick the Great of Prussia, includes the passing of a flag to the new commander to signify a public assumption of command.
For Katz, former 47th OSS director of operations, assuming command from Warren was something more than a job elevation, but a personal honor.
“As I was sitting back there with Colonel Pekarek and Lieutenant Colonel Warren, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of deep gratitude and thankfulness to God for so many blessings in my life,” Katz said. “Here I am today, standing before you, the Titians. What a dream come true.”
Katz, an 18-year command pilot, has accumulated more than 3,300 hours in the T-1 Jayhawk, T-37 Tweet and KC-10A Extender. As squadron commander he will be responsible for servicing navigation and communications equipment, delivering weather data, air crew flight equipment, and radar and approach controls, all things he believed his predecessor did a good job managing.
“[Britt], you’ve done a fantastic job with the Rattlers, and I appreciated the foundation you’ve set for me,” Katz said.
The leadership of the 47th OSS commander empowers the Airmen to manage one of the Air Force’s busiest airfield, while enabling student pilot graduation.
After 24 months of command, Warren, outgoing commander, led the squadron to winning the “Squadron of the Year” award in 2015.