DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- As we all wave a not-so-heartfelt goodbye to 2020, two squadrons gained new commanders to usher in the new year. The 919th Special Operations Medical Squadron and 859th Special Operations Squadron welcomed new leadership during the January unit training assembly.
“I am very excited to take command of the 859th,” said Lt. Col. Bret Murrell, the new 859th Special Operations Squadron commander. “This squadron is full of amazing people with a proven track record of success, and I look forward to building upon the successful foundation that has already been built.”
Murrell inherited the non-standard aviation mission which recently attained full operational capability.
“I think Lt. Col. Murrell is going to do a fantastic job,” said Col. Jason Grandy, 919th Special Operations Group commander. “I’m totally confident in his ability to carry the 859th Special Operations Squadron into the future.”
The 919th SOMDS welcomed Lt. Col. Jenny Wylie as their new commander on Sunday of the UTA.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as commander in one of the best medical squadrons in the Air Force Reserve,” said Wylie, the new 919th SOMDS commander.
Wylie manages the physical health of 1,700 Citizen Air Commandos, and has 17 years of on-the-ground experience. She crewed more than 100 operational aeromedical evacuations in her Air Force career.
“I always heard stories about how she went out of her way to help Airmen,” said Col. Kevin Merrill, commander of the 919 SOW and presiding official for the ceremony. “That’s when I knew she’d be perfect for this job; she’s humble, approachable and professional.”
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