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Spouses change roles, command

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Daniel Butterfield
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  It was a historic event Saturday, July 14 at the Peterson Club here as the Operations Support Squadron changed leaders. And while command changes are common events in the Air Force Reserve, this one was unique as the two commanders involved were married. Lt. Col. Christopher Lay assumed command of the 302nd Operations Support Squadron from his wife, Col. Jennie Johnson.

"It is historic," said Col. Kurt D. Jones, Commander, 302nd Operations Group, and presiding official, "Never have we seen a wife who is going to change command with her husband, in the Air Force or in any other service, that we could find. This is a really unique change of command."

But even though there were family ties involved, the main focus of the event was the Operations Support Squadron's Change of Command.

"We are going to be sorry to see her go. Jennie has done a great job," said Jones. "But I think we are going to be in good hands, going from Jennie to Chris."

Lt. Col. Christopher Lay was previously assigned the 731st Airlift Squadron of the Air Force Reserve's 302nd Airlift Wing. There he served as a flight commander, weapons officer, and instructor navigator.

"The men and women of the 302nd OSS are some of the finest folks I've had the opportunity to work with. Honestly, you guys are the backbone of the airlift squadron and the aeromedical evacuation squadron," said Lay. "You do more than just your job. You do more than just launch airplanes and train crews, you look out for each other. These are things I want to continue. Do your job well and look out for each other. We are one big happy family, active duty and reservists in total integration."

The 302nd Airlift Wing's Operations Support Squadron is responsible for C-130 Hercules combat effectiveness. They direct flight operations, create war plans, schedule aircrew and aircraft and implement combat tactics. OSS also is responsible for aircrew training, simulator training, deployment planning and execution and aircrew flight equipment functions. They coordinate with the host wing for airfield management, weather support, and air traffic control.