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609th AOC changes command

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Daniel Brosam
  • Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) Public Affairs
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --  The U.S. Air Force’s 609th Air Operations Center received a new commander as U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Ogle relinquished command to Col. Julie Sposito-Salceies at the Combined Air Operations Center on June 2, 2023.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, and Combined Forces Air Component Commander for U.S. Central Command, presided over the ceremony. Additionally, Grynkewich listed numerous accomplishments for Ogle and his team during Ogle’s leadership tenure.

While supporting combat operations and more than 23,000 flying sorties commanded and controlled by the CAOC and the 609th AOC, 85,000 hours of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, conducting 300 joint partner operations against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and performing missions with more than 600 ISIS fighters neutralized, Ogle was recognized and received a Legion of Merit before relinquishing command.

“Combat operations aren’t the only things we are focused on,” Grynkewich said. “There is a lot more we need to do as we transform the (U.S. Central Command) region, as we transition into a campaigning mindset and are looking more long term on strategic threats.”

After having served 1 year as the 609th AOC commander, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Ogle is headed to The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Detachment 145, in Tallahassee, Florida.

“I can’t think of a better guy to go and mentor young officers who are coming into our Air Force and give them a real feel about what it means to be a leader of Airmen, combat leader and serve on the combat frontier,” Grynkewich said. “Congratulations on all of the accomplishments and innovation you have led … it is a lot to be proud of in your tenure.”

After the award presentation came the official changing of command and passing of the guidon, a tradition dating back to 1775 that allows members of a unit to officially recognize the authority of the incoming commander and honor the service of the outgoing commander.

“I know (Sposito-Salceies) is the right person to continue to lead the application of air power in this (area of responsibility) and I look forward to seeing what you can do,” Grynkewich said.

Finally, Sposito-Salceies addressed all of the members in attendance, expressing her thanks and saying she is ready to take command and get after the mission.

“I am honored to take this journey with you,” Sposito-Salceies said. “I know we will work hard together to value everyone and their contribution to our combined mission. We will continue to innovate and experiment with our tactics, techniques, procedures and capabilities while taking time to develop our people.”