Peterson-based Combat 'Roos get new commander

Lt. Col. Patrick Schlichenmeyer (right) salutes Col. David Kasberg, 19th Operations Group commander, before accepting command of the 52nd Airlift Squadron during that organization's change of command ceremony May 14 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Colonel Schlichenmeyer took command of the squadron from outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Carlos Ortiz, in the squadron's first change of command ceremony since its reactivation in 2009. Colonel Schlichenmeyer, who previously held the position of the 52nd AS director of operations, became the leader of the squadron, known as the 'Combat Roos,' that has already logged approximately 2,000 combat hours, flown 1,800 sorties, and has transported more than 3.16 million pounds of cargo. The 52nd AS is an active associate organization partnered with the Air Force Reserve's 302nd Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ann Skarban)