LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas. -- 47th Operations Support Squadron Airmen bid farewell to Lt. Col. Matthew Kless, prior commander of the 47th OSS, and welcomed new commander Lt. Col. Daniel Garrison, during a change of command ceremony here, May 29, 2024.
Col. James Blech, 47th Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony, mentioning the roles the 47th OSS operates in maintaining the seventh busiest airfield in the Air Force.
“As you take the guidon today, I offer you simple advice,” said Blech to Garrison. “One, lead boldly, two, lead compassionately and three, seek to build trust.”
Garrison continues his time here at Laughlin AFB, previously serving as the Director of Operations for the 434th Flying Training Squadron since December 2023. As the commander of the 47th OSS he now oversees a legacy of 80 years of Airmen who dedicate themselves to the mission of keeping the airfield operational year-round.
“I am excited to join the Rattler family,” said Garrison “I thank God for the opportunity to lead such incredible Airmen into a very new future. We are here because we stand on the shoulders of giants and from here, we continue the ascent.”
The 47th OSS has a history older than the Air Force itself, originally constituted as the 47th Aerodrome Squadron on January 25, 1943. This legacy continued until December 15,1991, when the unit was redesignated the 47th Operations Support Squadron. The 47th OSS follows the motto, “Sine Qua Non” which translates to “Without which, nothing.” Signifying the essential roles the squadron operates in keeping the flying mission happening.
“The choices you make and the time you take to hone your craft and develop your skills and minds is not inconsequential,” said Garrison. “I have a lot of varied perspectives in my career… but the most consequential time in my career is right here, and right now.”
Kless served as commander of 47th OSS since February 2023 and now moves onto becoming the Military Assistant to the Director, Defense POW/MIA accounting agency in Washington DC.
“Thank you for putting your trust in me to lead the Rattlers,” said Kless. “It was an absolute honor to be a part of Team XL.”