JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Editor's note: This commentary was derived from remarks made at the 5th Helicopter Squadron activation ceremony.
Thank you all for being here today to witness this historic moment. Today is about much more than an assumption of command. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Air Force rotary-wing history.
And to the Airmen of the Fifth Helicopter Squadron, the FIVERS. What an incredible privilege it is to stand before you today. I accept command with immense humility, but also with tremendous excitement.
The Air Force has entrusted us with something rare. Most commanders inherit a squadron. We have the privilege of building one.
Years from now, people won't remember every briefing we gave or every meeting we attended. They will remember what kind of organization we created. They will remember the culture we established. They will remember whether we merely activated another squadron—or whether we built something that fundamentally changed the future of Air Force helicopter operations.
That responsibility belongs to every one of us. The activation of the 5th Helicopter Squadron is not simply about adding another unit to the organizational chart. It represents the future.
For more than five decades, the Huey has faithfully answered our nation's call. It has protected our nation's most critical assets, supported our national leadership, and quietly executed missions that few Americans ever see but all Americans benefit from. We stand on the shoulders of generations of Airmen who built that legacy.
Now it is our turn.
Our mission is not to replace that history. Our mission is to honor it by carrying it forward into the next chapter. Over the coming months and years, we will guide one of the most significant rotary-wing transitions our Air Force has undertaken.
We will introduce a new aircraft in the National Capital Region. We will develop new tactics. We will train a new generation of aircrew. We will preserve mission capability while simultaneously transforming how this mission is executed.
That will not be easy. Transitions never are. There will be uncertainty. There will be setbacks. There will be long days. There will be moments when the path forward seems difficult.
Not because success is guaranteed ... but because of who you are.
I am lucky to have already met many of you. I have seen your professionalism. Your experience. Your creativity. Your commitment to one another. Those qualities—not aircraft, not facilities, not equipment—will determine our success. Our culture will shape the future.
I believe great squadrons are built on three principles.
First—Mission.
Everything we do must support the mission. Our customers depend on us. Our nation depends on us. Excellence is not optional.
Second—People.
People will always come before programs. Aircraft don't build squadrons. Airmen do. My commitment to every member of this organization is simple: I will challenge you. I will develop you. I will listen to you. I will expect excellence from you. And I will always fight for you.
Finally—Innovation.
We have a unique opportunity. Because this squadron is being built from the ground up, we are not bound by "the way we've always done it." If there is a better idea ... bring it. If there is a better process. Let's build it. If there is a better way to prepare the next generation. Let's lead the Air Force in doing so. Our goal should never be simply to keep pace with change. Our goal should be to drive it.
I also want to recognize our teammates through this upcoming transition: the Helions of the 1st Helicopter Squadron, the mighty Ogres of the 316th Operational Support Squadron, fellow Griffins of the 316th Operations Group, the 316th Wing, Air Force District of Washington, Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command and every organization supporting this transition.
This is a partnership and I thank you in advance for your support.
Our success will depend upon collaboration, humility, and a shared commitment to the mission.
Together, we will ensure uninterrupted support to the National Capital Region while simultaneously building the future force.
As we look ahead, I hope every Airman in this squadron understands something. Years from now, new members will arrive here. They will walk these hallways, they will wear this patch, they will inherit traditions we have not yet created, they will repeat stories we have not yet written. They will benefit from standards we establish beginning today. That is an incredible responsibility.
It is also an incredible opportunity.
One day, I hope people look back and say that the 5th Helicopter Squadron didn't simply activate...it set the standard. It became the organization others sought to emulate. It proved that professionalism, innovation, humility, and teamwork could accomplish extraordinary things. That is the squadron we intend to build. That is the squadron I know we can become.
FIVERS
Thank you for your trust. Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for answering the call to be part of something larger than ourselves. I could not be more honored to serve alongside you. Let's build something that lasts. Let's make history. And let's get to work.
Vamos!