1st Special Operations Support Squadron changes command

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jeff Parkinson
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Lt. Col. Michael Thomas took command of the 1st Special Operation Support Squadron from Lt. Col. Michael Edwards April 10, 2015, here.

Col. Sean Farrell, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, presided over the ceremony.

“Besides his nuclear engineering degree, Mike brings a tremendous amount of [special operations forces] experience,” said Farrell. “He is a master navigator on the Talon II, and most recently served as the chief of flight safety at the 352nd Special Operations Group and as the director of operations for the 352nd OSS. He brings a perfect blend of experience and vision to the 1 SOSS. Mike knows excellence, and I know he is going to bring a tremendous amount of energy to the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron.”

The 1st SOSS accomplishes global special operations tasking's as a member of the Air Force component of United States Special Operations Command.

As the new 1st SOSS commander, Thomas will be responsible for the largest and most diverse OSS in the Air Force. Their mission is to orchestrate the airfield operations, intelligence, aircrew training, weather, operational medicine, maritime and range support, joint ground liaison, and aircrew flight equipment functions for America's largest active duty special operations wing supporting theater commands.

“To the leadership of the units we support, I just want to say you can continue to expect excellence,” Thomas said. “We’re going to stay engaged with you every step of the way, we’re going to evolve as you evolve.

As your requirements change we’re going to be right next you ready to meet those requirements,” Thomas added. “Because at the end of the day we are all charged with the same mission, to provide combat ready forces and we can’t do that without the relationships we have already established.”

Thomas hails from Shelby Township, Michigan. He was commissioned through ROTC after graduating from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He supported multiple operations throughout his career such as Joint Guardian, Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The 1st SOSS won Air Force Special Operations Command’s Large Aircrew Flight Equipment Programs of the year, and nearly swept the major command’s Airfield Management awards, along with 15 individuals winning awards at AFSOC or higher levels.

“Superior achievements such as these don’t just come from having outstanding performers in the unit, it also comes from leadership,” Farrell said. “Leadership that causes the environment to succeed and thrive, and in two years, Mike Edwards did just that.”

Edwards is headed to Air Force Special Operations Command.