Lt. Col. Ross Anderson assumes command of the 482nd OG

  • Published
  • By the 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Lt. Col. Ross R. Anderson assumed command of the 482nd Operations Group during a ceremony at the Heritage Hall Conference Center on July 13.

The new commander arrives at Homestead Air Reserve Base after serving as the deputy operations group commander at the 301st Fighter Wing, Naval Air Station, Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas. Colonel Anderson is a command pilot with more than 3,000 hours flying the F-16, including sorties over Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Colonel Anderson comes in with instant credibility," said Col. William B. Binger, 482nd Fighter Wing commander. "He's a warrior and a leader. He's served on multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he wears the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism. Through thick and thin, the 482nd Operations Group will be in great hands."

Colonel Anderson began his first speech as commander by welcoming distinguished visitors, operations group members, the wing's senior commanders and his family.

"I've been to war with you. I've seen your acts and what you've done," Colonel Anderson said to the men and women of the operations group. "I'm honored and humbled to be a part of this organization. I see myself as a man who can give you the 'vector,' but I'll never forgot who's doing the real work."

He concluded his speech by recalling some words of wisdom he received from a former commander.

"The first day I assume command is about me. Every day afterwards, it's all about you," he said.