LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ. --
The 69th Fighter Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony May 2 at Hanger 999 here.
Lt. Col. Gerald "Gov" Brown relinquished command to Col. Korey "Axe" Amundson, former assistant director of operations for the 69th Fighter Squadron. The ceremony was presided over by Col. Gregory Jones, Commander, 944th Operations Group.
"There's a lot going on in the near future," explained Jones. "It will be a dynamic, challenging time but a chance to help shape the future for the 69th FS, 944th Fighter Wing, and the 56th Fighter Wing. I'm confident Lt. Col. Amundson will do a great job."
As commander of the 69th FS, Lt. Col. Amundson is now responsible for 55 members of the United States Air Force Reserve's most experienced F-16 squadron.
"Gov, you leave me a squadron running smoothly on all 12 cylinders, myself and the rest of the Werewolves cannot thank you enough," said Amundson. "So as the next guy to carry the torch, I say bring on the challenge."
Amundson was commissioned in 1994 from the United States Air Force Academy and is a Command Pilot with 2,200 hours in the F-16, including 100 combat hours. He has held positions such as, F-16 instructor, flight commander, and assistant director of operations. Amundson's flying experience includes deployments in support of Operation Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and temporary duty in Poland helping stand up the country's first combat deployable F-16 squadron.
"The future holds changes and challenges that I am confident Lt. Col. Amundson will overcome and help the Wing's success," said Kurt Gallegos, 944th Fighter Wing Commander. "I am excited for him to take command of the squadron during these exciting times."
"All you Wolves standing out there have flown admirably throughout your careers, teaching the right mix of aggressiveness and restrain, and the mere fact of you standing out there is proof of that," Amundson told the men and women of the 69th FS. "Soon, 144 of the world's newest fighter aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, will be filling the voids on our ramp. As reservists here, we've seen our share of challenges, but when caught up in the moment, perspective tells us it will all work out. We bring that perspective to the fight because that's what's expected of us and that's what I plan to deliver."
The 69th FS provides fully qualified, combat ready, U. S. Air Force Reserve Command F-16 Instructor Pilots to support all aspects of the 56th Fighter Wing formal course training, as well as supporting the contingency deployment needs of the Combat Air Forces. Luke AFB trains 90% of all Combat Air Force's F-16 pilots and 100% of all United States Air Force's F-16 crew chiefs.