New commander leads 482nd Security Forces Squadron

  • Published
  • By Dan Galindo
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD ARB, Fla. --  Lt. Col. Frank P. Locascio assumed command of the 482nd Security Forces Squadron in a ceremony here at Homestead Air Reserve Base Dec. 2.

Col. Locascio takes over from Lt. Col. James Larkin who led the squadron for more than four years before moving on to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in New Orleans, La.

As squadron commander, Col. Locascio is in charge of day-to-day law enforcement and security operations, including all security programs for wartime mobility requirements, training, combat arms and deployment issues.

He comes to South Florida from Willow Grove Air Reserve Station, Penn., where he was the commander of the 913th Security Forces Squadron.

Addressing his troops for the first time, Col. Locascio applauded the legacy of the former commander.

"It's evident from that I'm coming into a squadron with a strong group of Airmen," he said.

Col. Dennis Daley, 482nd Mission Support Group Commander presided over the ceremony. In his remarks to welcome the new squadron commander, Col. Daley highlighted the skill and knowledge Col. Locascio brings to Homestead.

"You're the best security forces squadron in the Air Force Reserve Command and we're going to continue to be the best," said Col. Daley. "[Lt. Col. Locascio] comes to us with a lot of experience, and we're fortunate to have him become part of the 482nd."

Originally from New Jersey, Col. Locascio has extensive training and education in the field of law enforcement.

He holds and Associate of Applied Science degree in Police Science from Bergen Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from William Patterson College, N.J.

Col. Locascio also attended the State Police Academy, State Police Investigation School, State Police Drug School and the DEA Narcotics School in New Jersey. He's also a certified polygraph examiner trained at the Keeler Polygraph Institute.

Even while serving in the Air Force Reserve, he excelled in his career as New Jersey police officer, being named Civilian Detective of the Year in 1989 by the Morris County Detectives Association.

"We're fighting the War on Terror on two fronts right now, and we're going to continue to train for war and continue to serve in securing this base," Col. Locascio said during the ceremony. "I'm confident that you will continue to succeed."