31st Operations Support Squadron Change of Command
4 June 2021 Aviano Air Base


In the big hangar 1, under a giant American flag, the 31st Operations Support Squadron Change of Command Ceremony took place Friday 4th June 2021 at Aviano Air Base, where Lieutenant Colonel Jesse S. Doyle has relinquished Command to Colonel Leslie F. Hauck, 31st Operations Group Commander, and Lieutenant Colonel Corydon A. Jerch has assumed Command of 31st Operations Support Squadron Unit.


All'interno del grande hangar 1, alla Base di Aviano, sotto una gigantesca bandiera a stelle e strisce, venerdì 4 giugno 2021 si è celebrato il Cambio di Comando al 31st Operation Support Squadron, del 31st Fighter Wing. Il Tenente Colonnello Jesse S. Doyle ha ceduto il Comando al Colonnello Leslie F. Hauck, Comandante del 31st Operations Group, il quale lo ha poi passato al Tenente Colonnello Corydon A. Jerch, nuovo Comandante del 31st Operation Support Squadron.


The Aviano AB Aviation Friends Group had the opportunity to be present at the Ceremony, a special thanks to Mrs. Roberta De Piante Vicin, 510th Fighter Squadron Commander’s secretery and to Mrs. Angela Zammattio, 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office.

L'Aviano AB Aviation Friends Group ha avuto l'opportunità di presenziare alla cerimonia, un grande ringraziamento alla sig.ra Roberta De Piante Vicin, della Segreteria del 510th Fighter Squadron e alla sig.ra Angela Zammattio del 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office, per averlo reso possibile.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Adriano Marzotto (AAFG)

Awarding of honor to Lieutenant Colonel Doyle
Conferimento onorificienza al Ten. Col. Doyle
Awarding of honor to Lieutenant Colonel Doyle
Conferimento onorificienza al Ten. Col. Doyle

____________________________________________________________

Colonel Leslie F. Hauck


Command Pilot with more than 2.400 flight hours
The Operations Group consists of seven squadrons that continually support operations and exercises across three Combatant Commands. The wide-ranging operational capabilities are brought by Airmen from the 31st Operations Support Squadron, 56th and 57th Rescue Squadron, 510th and 555th Fighter Squadrons and the 606th Air Control Squadron
.


Source: 31st Operation Support Squadron, 31st Fighter Wing

Lieutenant Colonel Jesse S. Doyle


Command Pilot with more than 3500 flight hours
He commands 166 total force Airmen that support and sustain Aviano’s global mission. The squadron provides air traffic control; airfield management; radar, airfield and weather system; aircrew flight equipment; flight scheduling and training, aviation resource management; intelligence; weapons and tactics; and weather.

Lieutenant Colonel Corydon A. Jerch


Senior Pilot with more than 2000 flight hours
He was the Inspector General, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base. He led the Wing Commander’s inspection program and was responsible for scheduling, planning and managing surety, operational readiness, full spectrum readiness, by-law and unit inspections. He supervised complaints and coordinate wing inspection matters with United States Air Forces in Europe, North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Secretary of the Air Force inspection agencies.



History of the Change of Command Ceremony

The Change of Command Ceremony is rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th century during the reign of King Federick, the Great of Prussia. During this time, organizational flags were developed with color arrangements and symbols unique to the particolar military unit. Whwn a Change of Command took place, the outgoing commander would pass the flag to the incoming commander. This gesture was accomplished in front of the unit so that all could see and witness their new leader assuming command. The person who controlled the flag also controlled the soldiers and their allegiance.  During battle, commanders, with the flag at their side, would choose a place on high ground from which to observe and control the combat situation. The flag served as a visible position for the troops to re-group or rally around during retrteats or victory.  The now symbolic tradition of passing the guidon has survived through military history and remains the key event of this military ceremony.