307th Fighter Squadron Welcomes New Commander

  • Published
  • By Maj. Elizabeth Magnusson
  • 944th Fighter Wing
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. --  The 307th Fighter Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change-of-command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., October 19.

Lt. Col. James R. Gresis, former director of operations for the 334th Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., succeeded Lt. Col. Christopher A. Freeman as commander of the 307th Fighter Squadron in a ceremony presided by Col. Kevin R. Fesler, commander, 414th Fighter Group.

The ceremony focused on the pride and history of the squadron as the narrator chronicled the inception of the unit in 1942, it's exploits in World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam to today's Total Force Integration (TFI).

"The 307th Fighter Squadron has accomplished a lot as a TFI unit here at Seymour Johnson," said Freeman. "We have helped our active-duty partners meet their manning requirements and I know that the 307th will continue to step up and perform at its peak level."

About 75 people gathered for the ceremony including senior leaders from the 4th Fighter Wing and the 916th Air Refueling Wing. Gresis' wife, along with his parents, sisters and other family and friends attended the ceremony.

"I am truly grateful and humbled to be standing here before all of you today, especially the men and women of the 307th Fighter Squadron." said Gresis.

"The Stinger mission is simple and always has been" Gresis continued. "Thankfully, I'm joining a squadron whose experience and expertise are unmatched. I will safely and efficiently provide you the tools and resources you need to allow your individual abilities as well as the successes of the squadron to continue to develop so we can meet our mission."

As commander, Gresis will oversee the 307th Fighter Squadron. The 307th leverages the Air Force Reserve Commands core competencies of experience, expertise, and continuity to efficiently optimize Seymour Johnson Air Force Base F-15E Fighter Aircrew production.

Gresis is a graduate of the University of Virginia and received his commission via the Air Force ROTC program. He is a Command Pilot with more than 3,000 total flight hours, including over 1,900 in the F-15E. Previous assignments include flying combat sorties over Iraq during Operation NORTHERN WATCH and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, a one year remote tour to Osan AB, Republic of Korea as a staff officer for Seventh Air Force as well as the Chief of Exercise Plans. He also was a Formal Training Unit instructor pilot at the 334th Fighter Squadron at Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C. and served as director of staff for the 4th Fighter Wing.

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The Change of Command Ceremony

The change of command ceremony is a military tradition, deeply rooted in history, and dating back to the time of Frederick the Great of Prussia. In that period, military organizations developed flags bearing specialized colors and designs unique to each organization. When soldiers followed their leaders into combat, they kept sight of these flags. If a banner still waved after the conflict, it was a sign that their side had not tasted defeat on the field of battle.

Because of its symbolic importance, the flag was incorporated into ancient change-of-command ceremonies. The organizational banner was exchanged in public for all to witness the naming of the new leader of the forces. The modern ceremony is also symbolic, and continues to announce to all the authority of the incoming commander in the finest of military traditions.