PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- After two and half years of service to the wing, Col. Christopher Sedlacek will depart from his post as 302d Airlift Wing commander, March 1, 2025, during an official change of command ceremony here.
Sedlacek said he stepped into the role of wing commander with an open mind and high expectations.
“I was familiar with the wing’s aerial firefighting mission and the reputation the 302d AW had of being a strong wing that was always prepared,” said Sedlacek. “I expected a challenging and rewarding experience and was eager to learn more about the wing’s special mission.”
The 302d AW can be activated to fly an aerial firefighting special mission in support of existing civilian wildfire suppression efforts. It is the only Air Force Reserve unit with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System Program (MAFFS) designed to aid the United States Forest Service with aerial firefighting and shares the mission with three Air National Guard units.
The wing was activated to fly its aerial firefighting mission four times during Sedlacek’s tenure for a total of 110 days, supplying 273,294 gallons of fire retardant over the course of 101 drops. Crews supported suppression efforts on fires in Washington, Oregon and California including the Los Angeles wildfires during the 2025 winter mobilization.
Before assuming command of the 302d AW in August 2022, Sedlacek held several key positions in the Air Force Reserve including squadron commander, group commander and major command staff officer.
“This job has lived up to the expectation of being challenging due to events that have transpired externally,” Sedlacek said. “Some challenges included transitioning our focus to Global Power Competition, the implementation of various task orders and being recently designated as a lead wing for the Expeditionary Air Base model. However, the wing has been motivated every step of the way and excelled at meeting all the tasks that have been levied upon it.”
During his tenure at the 302d AW he oversaw over 20 large-scale exercises and deployments around the world including Germany, Jordan, Belize and parts of Africa. Many exercises tested the wing’s readiness in joint and international environments like Eager Lion in Jordan, Rally in the Pacific in Guam, Ivy Mass with the U.S. Army and Silver Arrow with European Command.
Sedlacek attributes the strength of the Air Force Reserve to the Airmen as a whole.
“We have to invest in our people,” said Sedlacek. “Understanding that everyone brings something to the table, but everyone’s strengths and weaknesses are different is critical. Capitalizing on the strengths of our team members to offset our weaknesses is the foundation for our success.”
Sedlacek will move on to become the 910th Airlift Wing commander at Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Ohio. There he’ll lead Airmen responsible for a fleet of C-130J aircraft providing agile combat support and tactical airlift to combatant commanders.
Col. Matthew Heintzelman, 302d Mission Support Group commander, remarked upon the quality of Sedlacek’s service during his time as wing commander.
“Sedlacek is a rare combination of calm, cool and collected with a flair for managing resources,” said Heintzelman. “He will be greatly missed, and we wish him all the best as he moves on to the next chapter of his life.”
Col. Elissa Granderson will receive command of the 302d AW during a change of command ceremony Mar. 1, 2025 here.