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552 OSS ACCEPTS NEW LEADERSHIP

  • Published
  • By Ken LaFayette
  • 72nd ABW Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla --  Lt. Col. Joshua W. Conine accepted command of the 552nd Operations Support Squadron from Lieutenant Col. Alain D. Poisson in an official ceremony June 30.

Col. Gregory D. Roberts, 552nd Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony and applauded both officers for their "brilliant leadership and teamwork." He summed up their efforts with a quote from retired Gen. Omar Bradley "The greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the ultimate test of his effectiveness."

Colonel Poisson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to command the squadron and felt truly honored to have worked side-by-side with such incredible leaders and outstanding airmen.

"I've always been told that the key to success is to surround yourself with good people," he said. "What's great about the OSS is that you're surrounded by 364 of the best people."

Taking his place is Colonel Conine, who, according to Colonel Roberts has proven his battle management expertise in the E-3 in assignments at Tinker and Kadena Air Base. "You bring both continuity and recent deployed operations command experience to this job," said Colonel Roberts.

Colonel Conine is no stranger to the squadron where he recently served as director of operations. He is grateful for the trust and confidence the commander sees in him and humbled and honored to take command of the squadron.

After receiving command from Colonel Roberts, Colonel Conine addressed his squadron for the first time. "What I ask of you is to embrace new challenges and continue to make changes for the good of the group," he said. "We must be humble of our responsibilities and remember who is counting on us. The bottom line is that we will achieve this as a team."