Colors Signal Leadership Change

The 482nd Fighter Wing Honor Guard retires the colors during the assumption of command ceremony hosted by the 482nd FW Mission Support Squadron Nov. 3. Capt. Christy Shaw (left, rear) assumed command of the squadron. She is flanked by the squadron first sergeant, Master Sgt. Anthony Servian. Senior Airman Tara Austin is leaving the picture on the left; Senior Airman Scott Sendtko is the honor guard Airman in the center; Tech Sgt. Consuelo Santiago is on the right. (Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Paul Dean)

Taking Command

The guidon for the 482nd Fighter Wing Mission Support Squadron is passed to Capt. Christy Shaw during an assumption of command ceremony Nov. 3. Special Assistant to the Commander Col. Dennis Daley passed the guidon; the squadron executive officer, Capt. Grace Mickles, served as master of ceremony and the squadron first sergeant, Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Servian is in the center. Capt. Shaw served as executive officer to the 482nd Fighter Wing Maintenance Group before accepting her first command assignment. (Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Paul Dean)

New Commander Offers Inspiration

Addressing distinguished guests, family, friends and Airmen of the 482nd Fighter Wing, Capt. Christy Shaw speaks during her assumption of command ceremony Nov. 3. Capt. Shaw, who began her Air Force career in the enlisted force, thanked her family for their support, 482nd Fighter Wing Commander Col. Randy Falcon for the opportunity to command, and promised Airmen assigned to the squadron that she would make duty at Homestead worth the sacrifice. (Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Paul Dean)

Congratulations, Good Luck!

The special function room of the enlisted club burst at the seams for the assumption of command ceremony for Capt. Christy Shaw Nov. 3. Many of the guests waited in a long line to congratulate the new commander of the 482nd Fighter Wing Mission Support Squadron. Lt. Col. Tom Davis, chief of public affairs for the wing, was one of those offering congratulations and well wishes. (Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Paul Dean)

Most valuable asset under new guidance

Published Nov. 4, 2007
By Tech. Sgt. Paul Dean
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. -- The 482nd Fighter Wing Mission Support Squadron hosted an assumption of command ceremony Nov. 3.

Capt. Christy Shaw, previously assigned as executive officer of the 482nd Fighter Wing Maintenance Group, accepted her first command position as several members of her family and distinguished guests offered support. 482nd FW Commander Col. Randy Falcon attended the ceremony as an honored guest; his special assistant, Col. Dennis Daley officiated the ceremony.

Colonel Daley spoke of Captain Shaw's qualifications. The captain began her career as an enlisted Airman and has excelled in her position as an executive officer in a high- tempo environment said the colonel. The colonel made note of Captain Shaw's proven track record, praising her as an interpersonal leader with diverse skills, experience and the kind of attitude necessary to lead the mission support squadron in a dynamic time.

Captain Shaw offered gratitude to her family for their enduring support of her military career. "To my husband, who has sacrificed more than I can ever explain, I thank you. To my children, who often ask 'Why do you have to go to work on Saturday mommy?' I can only say that one day you will hopefully understand all of this."

The captain communicated a message of inspiration to the Airmen she now leads: "[Airmen] come to the base each UTA missing birthday parties, family get-together's and days of perfect weather. My promise to you is that I will make it worth your while to come here," she said.

Captain Shaw assured the Airmen of the mission support squadron that she will continue to draw on the best practices of both the enlisted and officer skill sets. She also told of the challenges ahead as the unit continues to grow under plus-ups directed by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission process and looks toward an upcoming relationship as the 482nd FW enters into the associate wing process with the active duty.

More than anything, the captain seems to be looking forward to working with so many people. "The Air Force is first and foremost about its people and the mission. How great is it that in [the mission support squadron] our mission is people," she said.

Captain Shaw replaces Capt. Paul R. Hubenthal, who accepted a position with Air Reserve Personnel Center.