HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The 919th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron held an assumption of command ceremony Nov. 3, 2024 marking a new era for aircraft maintenance spanning more than five decades of the Wing’s storied history.
Maj. Loren Chargualaf took the reins as squadron commander and the responsibility of leading an organization of 182 Traditional Reservists and Air Reserve Technicians from across seven specialties.
This is the first time aircraft maintenance for the 919th SOW is no longer performed at Duke Field, Fla.
“To the men and women of the 919th SOAMXS, what an honor it is to serve with you ,” said Chargualaf. “We must become the experts so we can get our fellow 919th operators flying these aircraft and, in turn, support our Active Duty partners.”
Chargualaf is accountable for training and equipping combat-ready Airmen to maintain the AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft for Air Force Special Operations Command.
Chargualaf’s career spans 11 assignments, four of which took place at Hurlburt Field. She hails from Mishawaka, Indiana, and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2013.
Col. Todd Rushford, 919th Special Operations Maintenance Group commander, presided over the ceremony and handed the unit guidon off to Chargualaf. After receiving the guidon from Rushford, the Mishawaka, Ind., native received the ceremonial first salute from a formation of 919 SOAMXS Airmen.
“This is a significant milestone in the 919 SOW’s history and a very visible reflection of the transformation taking place to ensure our value proposition to AFSOC’s operational mission,” said Col Rushford. “Our goal is to be the mission partner of choice for our Active-Duty teammates here at Hurlburt Field. We do that first and foremost by taking care of our people. I know Major Chargualaf’s experience and vision will help us usher in this new era keeping with the standard of excellence that has been the hallmark for aircraft maintenance for more than 50 years.”