The change of command carried on a military tradition that dates back to the Revolutionary War and the United States' first Army, the Continental Army of the United States.
The ceremony represents the formal passing of authority for a unit from one officer to another. It ensures that a unit and its Soldiers are never without official leadership and can recognize their new commander.
A new leader for the 424th Air Base Squadron assumed command on Chièvres Air Base June 11.
Incoming squadron commander Maj. Daniel L. Williams comes to the 424th from Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, where he was deputy branch chief for airfield operations.
As the command's functional manager for airfield operations he was responsible for developing and implementing Department of Defense, Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration airfield operations policies, procedures and guidance for the safe movement of more than 1.6 million annual flight operations at 11 airfields.
Outgoing squadron commander Lt. Col. Christopher M. Kuester heads to Joint Base Andrews, Prince George's County, Maryland as Deputy Group Commander of the 11th Mission Support Group.
"Magnum (Kuester's nickname),thank you for investing your heart and soul in the 424th and Chièvres Air Base," said presiding official Col. Ashley D. Salter, commander of the 86th Operations Group. "You built a family here. You made a difference."
He listed just a few of Kuester's accomplishments. "Whether you were renovating facilities, fighting for better gear for your firefighters or working toward first class vehicle ops, you never gave up and you never tired," Salter said.
Listing off some of Kuester's other accomplishments, Salter noted his support of education for his airmen and building camaraderie and esprit de corps of the squadron.
Salter also praised Kuester for handling the unexpected so well, including a bird's nest in the Instrument Landing System antenna and an airfield lighting issue.
"I have no doubt that you will continue to excel," Salter said.
"I can think of no officer more qualified to lead this squadron," he said about Williams."I have no doubt that you will succeed beyond anything we can envision today. You are more than ready to lead this team of warriors. I am excited for you as you assume command."
Following his remarks Salter presented Kuester the Meritorious Service Medal (fifth oak-leaf cluster) citing Kuester's distinctive accomplishments, including bringing the airfield into compliance with allied partner-nation requirements and the squadron's highly effective ratings for executing the mission and leading people.
In his remarks, the outgoing commander thanked his family and the members of the squadron for their support during his time as commander of the 424th Air Base Squadron. Kuester then welcomed the new commander.
"I will continue to build on the outstanding record of this squadron and take it to the next level," Williams said.
"Off we go into the wild, blue yonder," rang out as the ceremony closed with the Air Force song.
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