MARTINSBURG, W.Va. –
A change of command ceremony for the 167th Operations Support Squadron was held at the 167th Airlift Wing’s dining facility, Dec. 7.
Lt. Col. Jonathan McCullough relinquished command of the squadron to Lt. Col. James Freid-Studlo during the ceremony.
Col. Marty Timko, 167th Operations Group commander, was the presiding official.
“I’ve leaned on John quite a bit over the years and he’s always been there to provide that support,” Timko said. “It delights me that you’ll be moving into the deputy [operations] group position in which you can help mentor our newest squadron commander at the OSS level.”
Timko encouraged Freid-Studlo to remain flexible as he begins his new role as the squadron commander saying there will be challenges.
“The biggest thing that drives you into the building each day are the people that are serving with you,” Timko said.
Freid-Studlo first served as a C-5 pilot for the 167th before moving on to serve as the director of complaints and resolution then as the wing inspector general, during which time he oversaw three operational readiness exercises within an 18 month span.
After accepting command, Freid-Studlo said, “I have been blessed with the opportunity to lead you through the next set of challenges that we’ll face. My focus and the focus of my staff will be to enrich your careers and ensure that you can balance your personal and professional lives while accomplishing our critical mission to the wing.”