Werewolves get new pack leader

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Lt. Col. Sean Rassas, took command of the 69th Fighter Squadron during a ceremony held here August 5.

Lt. Col. Saxon Yandell relinquished command to Rassas, former Assistant Director of Operations for the 69 FS. The ceremony was presided over by Col. Robert Tofil, 944th Operations Group, commander.

Military members, family and friends from both parties were at the well-attended ceremony.

Rassas is a command pilot with more than 2,760 flying hours primarily in the F-16C. Previous assignments include 944th Fighter Wing, chief of safety and 310th Fighter Squadron, Assistant Director of Operations, Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

“Lt. Col. “Double” Rassas is one of the most experienced pilots we have and has been around here for the better part of a decade,” said Tofil. “You are the perfect choice to be the next 69 FS commander.”

The 944 OG will undergo a transformation in the next few years as the F-16s draw down and the F-35 mission phases in.

“This new fifth generation fighter will lead the Air Force’s air power well into the future,” continued Tofil. “The 69 FS will continue to be on the tip of the spear as F-16 pilot’s transition to the F-35 and Lt. Col. Rassas is the perfect person to lead that evolution.”

“I’d like to thank Col. Gallegos and Col. Tofil for the opportunity and confidence you placed in me by allowing me to command the most experienced F-16 unit in the Air Force,” said Rassas.

As commander, Rassas will oversee the 69 FS, which provides fully qualified, combat ready, Air Force Reserve Command F-16 instructor pilots to support all aspects of 56 FW formal course training, as well as providing support for contingency deployment needs of the Combat Air Forces.

“The men and women that stand in formation before you are a force multiplier,” continued Rassas. “They are the most experienced F-16 instructor pilots in the world. Each with an average of over 2,000 hours of flying time.”

As commander of the 69 FS, Lt. Col. Rassas is now responsible for over 60 members of the United States Air Force Reserve's most experienced F-16 squadron.