Richey takes command of 302nd OSS

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Amber Sorsek
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Lt. Col. Mark Richey assumed command of the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Operations Support Squadron from Lt. Col. Frank Wilde II during a change of command ceremony Aug. 2, 2015 here.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Wilde described his successor by saying "He is a very compassionate individual. He cares about his people. That's just the kind of guy he is."

Col. Robert Stanton, commander of the 302nd Operations Group and presiding official said, "We looked around [to see] who was our top talent, who has the best leadership potential, who can take something going skyward and continue. He is the kind of guy we like to bring in."

Before becoming squadron commander, Richey served in the 731st Airlift Squadron as flight commander, C-130 Hercules instructor pilot, Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System pilot, and the squadron chief pilot.

After assuming command of the 302nd OSS Richey thanked the 731st AS for his time spent as chief pilot. "I can honestly say I have never encountered a sharper group my entire time in the Air Force."  He also told the audience about his goals for his new role. "I look forward to doing everything I can to make this the most enjoyable and memorable assignment in your Air Force career," Richey said.