Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst -- The 421st Combat Training Squadron welcomed new leadership during a Change of Command ceremony that took place last month.
Lt. Col. Adam King relinquished command of the 421st CTS. Many family members, special guests and squadron members came together for the official ceremony.
“Adam, your leadership through challenging times, your focus on high standards, and your commitment to communication and accountability have built trust and resilience in your squadron,” said Col. Sarah Kaiser, commandant of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Operations School and presiding official. “You consistently reminded everyone to take the initiative and contribute at their highest potential.”
Lt. Col. Brian Hickner previously led the 423rd Training Squadron as director of operations before taking command of the 421st CTS at the ceremony. While at the 423rd TRS, Hickner oversaw the delivery of 64 Community College of the Air Force courses that provide advanced training to over 37,000 students annually.
During the ceremony, he shared a story from his first operational assignment and its importance to taking command of the squadron.
“This is a full circle moment for me. In 2011, when I arrived at my first duty station in Minot, ND, I found that the majority of the squadron’s pilots were on their first assignment. Ten years earlier, each one of those first assignment pilots sat in high school classrooms and watched 9/11 happen live,” Hickner said. “Needless to say, we all wanted to fight, but deployment opportunities were rare in the UH-1N community. So, each of us competed for only 1 to 2 air advisor slots per year to train right here. The 421st CTS has been on my mind for 14 years. I recognize that when I put on the scorpion patch, I join a squadron of warriors who train warriors, and I’m very proud to do so.”
Kaiser highlighted the importance of connection for effective leadership as Hickner took command of his new unit.
“Our ability to connect with people on a personal level and understand their strengths and challenges is invaluable,” Kaiser said. “Equally important is our connection to the mission. A leader must instill a sense of purpose and importance in each role, connected to the mission.”
The ceremony was wrapped up by highlighting the legacy of leaders that preceded the new commander.
“This ceremony connects you to that tradition and to the leaders who have come before you,” Kaiser said. “It is a reminder of the continuity of our mission and the enduring importance of principled leadership. I have full confidence that under your guidance, your units will continue to excel and train our warfighters to win in any environment.”