552 TRS accepts new leadership Published Oct. 16, 2009 By 1st Lt. Kinder Blacke 552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs TINKER AFB, Okla. -- Lieutenant Col. David F. Evans accepted command of the 552nd Training Squadron from Lieutenant Col. John J. Iwanski in an official ceremony October 15. Col. George Carpenter, commander, 552nd Operations Group, presided over the ceremony and applauded Colonel Iwanski for his "incredible leadership" as the squadron commander of "one of the most challenging squadrons in the combat Air Force." Colonel Iwanski expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the squadron and felt truly honored to have worked side-by-side with such incredible leaders and outstanding aviators. Colonel Iwanski is now heading to Ramstein Air Base in Germany to serve as the USAFE/A3Y, Air Operations Command and Control Division Chief. Taking his place is Colonel Evans, who, according to Colonel Carpenter, is without a doubt, the right officer for the job with his wealth of experience, calm demeanor, and solid values. "He will help the 552 TRS achieve even greater accomplishments," said Colonel Carpenter. Colonel Evans comes to the 552 TRS from the 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron, where he served as the director of operations. He is grateful for the trust and confidence the commander has shown him in letting him command such an outstanding squadron. After receiving the guidon from Colonel Iwanski, Colonel Evans thanked his family, "Team Evans," for their unwavering support, and then addressed his new Air Force family. His message to the men and women of the 552nd Training Squadron was simple, "to live free, we must train hard."