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“Sir, I assume command; but first … let me take a selfie!”

  • Published
  • By Carolyn Herrick
  • 943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs

A Tucson attorney and prior Navy man assumed command of the 305th Rescue Squadron in a ceremony April 3 at the 943rd Maintenance Squadron hangar.

U.S. Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Andrew Meshel, who formerly served as the 943rd Rescue Group deputy commander, accepted the guidon from Col. John Beatty and addressed his new squadron with a lighthearted yet poignant speech, pausing for a selfie with his new squadron in the background.

“There are literally thousands of people whose lives have either been saved or directly impacted by this unit’s sustained and superior performance everywhere they go, with any job they’re given,” Meshel said in his speech. “Ask any one of the 350 people rescued from the battlefield of the Helmand Province. Ask their families. Ask any of the thousands of stranded Hurricane Katrina victims who were hoisted to safety by these aircrew members, who worked around the clock to extract survivors and get them to safety. Ask Marcus Luttrell, the lone survivor of Operation Red Wings.

“I know, without a doubt, I am the most privileged person among us, for I have been given the charge to command this exceptional unit of selfless, servicemen and women. What’s more, they are the absolute best in what they do. I trust them with my life, and my trust is well placed.”

The 305th RQS is a flying unit of six HH-60G helicopters consisting of pilots, flight engineers and support personnel in maintenance, operations and administration. The unit has been presented three Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for the time periods June 1, 1992 to May 31, 1994; October 1, 1993 to August 31, 1995; and September 1, 1997 to August 31, 1999.