1st SOG gets new commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kristina Newton
  • Public Affairs
Hurlburt Field, Florida --  Col. Dennis Pannell assumed command of the 1st Special Operations Group during a change of command ceremony July 19 in Commando Hangar. 

Colonel Pannell succeeded Col. Mark Alsid, who will become the 1st Special Operations Wing vice commander. 

Col. Brad Webb, 1st SOW commander, presided over the ceremony. He spoke of Colonel Alsid's many accomplishments during his command and his faith in Colonel Pannell's ability to continue these great deeds. 

"Although we are moving Colonel Alsid to the wing headquarters, we have another fantastic leader in Colonel Pannell," Colonel Webb said. "He has the qualifications, and he's the right man to lead the 1st SOG." 

As Colonel Pannell rose to speak for the first time as 1st SOG commander, he thanked Colonel Alsid for being a remarkable leader and mentor. 

Then Colonel Pannell thanked his squadron commanders and the men and women under their charge for all the hard work they've done. 

"I thank you for the dedication and commitment to excellence that has brought this wing, the Air Force Special Operations Command and the U.S. Special Operations Command unprecedented success on the battlefield and a permanent place in history," Colonel Pannell said. 

"The Global War on Terrorism will force us to evolve, and we will be challenged on many fronts," he added. "We cannot afford to let our attention be diverted from our mission to safely and decisively deliver special operations air combat power an time and any place."
"I look forward to leading you in to this exciting and ever challenging future," Colonel Pannell said. "It's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work."