459th Airlift Squadron Changes Command U.S. Air Force Logo Jan. 18, 2024 459th Airlift Squadron Changes Command U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Samuel Shamburg, 459th Airlift Squadron commander, gives a speech to Airmen and family members of the 459th Airlift Squadron during a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 11, 2024. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 459th Airlift Squadron from Lt. Col. Joseph Walters to Shamburg. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey) Details Download 459th Airlift Squadron Changes Command U.S. Air Force Col. Jun Oh, left, 374th Operations Group commander, hands a squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Samuel Shamburg, 459th Airlift Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 11, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey) Details Download 459th Airlift Squadron Changes Command From left, U.S. Air Force Col. Jun Oh, 374th Operations Group commander, Lt. Col. Joseph Walters, former 459th Airlift Squadron (AS) commander, and Lt. Col. Samuel Shamburg, 59th AS commander, conduct a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 11, 2024. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 459th AS from Walters to Shamburg. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey) Details Download 459th Airlift Squadron Changes Command U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Walters, outgoing 459th Airlift Squadron (AS) commander, renders his final salute to airmen of the 459th AS at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 11, 2024. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 459th Airlift Squadron from Walters to Lt. Col. Samuel Shamburg. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey) Details Download 459th Airlift Squadron Changes Command Airmen and family members assemble for a change of command ceremony for the 459th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 11, 2024. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that highlights the transfer of authority and command from one commanding or flag officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexzandra Gracey) Details Download Lt. Col. Samuel Shamburg assumed command of the 459th Airlift Squadron from Lt. Col. Joseph Walters during a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 11. The 459th Airlift Squadron maintains a forward presence in the Pacific and provides responsive airlift support for distinguished visitors, as well as other priority passengers and cargo, on travel vital to the national security interest of the United States. Maintains both UH-1N and C-12J mission-ready aircrews to conduct aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue and priority airlift missions throughout the Pacific.