JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. --
The 192nd Maintenance
Squadron celebrated an assumption of command ceremony May 21, 2017, at Joint
Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. An assumption of command ceremony is a military
tradition that represents the new commander formally stepping into the role as
the commanding officer of a unit or squadron.
“The assumption
of command ceremony is part of our military history dating back to the 18th
century when organizational flags were developed with color arrangements and
symbols unique to a particular unit. To this flag, the soldiers dedicated their
loyalty and trust. The organization’s banner was exchanged in full view so
every soldier could see the officer now entrusted to lead them into battle,”
said Senior Master Sgt. Walter Moore, the narrator of the ceremony.
Col. Jeffery L. Ryan, 192nd
Maintenance Group commander, presented the 192nd Maintenance Squadron colors to
Lt. Col. Steven A. Frodsham to signify his assumption of command. The 192nd
Fighter Wing vice commander, Col. Frank J. Lobash, was the previous MXS
commander from September 2014 to March 2017.
“Lt. Col.
Frodsham, you are inheriting a diverse and incredibly capable squadron. It will
be your job, your mission, to bring out the very best in each and every member
of your team. They depend on you and our nation depends on them,” said Ryan.
In 1999, Frodsham
graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Environmental Engineering and commissioned as an officer. He
immediately attended pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi,
and was the top graduate of his F-16C basic course.
During his
first operational assignment with the 23rd Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air
Base, Germany, Frodsham upgraded to an F-16 instructor pilot. He flew combat
missions over Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Northern Watch, and
Southern Watch. Frodsham then moved on to serve with the 522nd Fighter Squadron
at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, as a flight commander, squadron weapons
officer and wing weapons officer. He was awarded the 2005 Air Combat Command Instructor
Pilot of the Year.
In 2006,
Frodsham made the transition to the F-22 and was assigned to the 94th Fighter
Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. He led the 94th’s first-ever F-22
deployment to the Pacific area of responsibility in support of theater security
package requirements in 2009.
With over 2,000 fighter hours in the F-22, F-16C/D, F-15D,
F-4, and T-38 aircraft, Frodsham
joined the Virginia Air National Guard in 2010. Fulfilling multiple roles,
Frodsham served as an F-22 flight examiner, F-22 instructor pilot and as the
192nd FW Operation Support Squadron director of operations.
“Squadron command is
the toughest and most demanding job you will ever have. It will also be the
most rewarding. Your squadron as they say, is fixin’ to fight, and they do it
extremely well. Under your leadership, I know that tradition will continue,”
said Ryan to Frodsham before handing over the guidon.
“I am truly honored, humbled, and excited to be taking
command of the 192nd Maintenance Squadron. With 132 members in nine
geographically separated functional areas, we are one of the largest and most
diverse squadrons on all of Langley Air Force Base. You are the corporate
knowledge, the continuity, and the cornerstone of our total force relationship
with our active duty brothers and sisters. I look forward to getting to know
each of you as we focus on training, equipping, and taking care of this great
squadron,” said Frodsham, during his assumption of command speech.