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Change of Command, Assumption of Command ceremonies held for 315 OSS, 701st AS

  • Published
  • By Capt. Michaela Judge
  • 315 AW/PA
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --  During a combined ceremony Aug. 24, 2014, Lt. Col. Thomas McNamara relinquished command of the 315th Operations Support Squadron to Lt. Col. Lara Morrison and assumed command of the 701st Airlift Squadron.

The ceremony, attended by friends, family and coworkers from across the 315th Airlift Wing, was officiated by Col. Caroline Evernham, 315th Operations Group commander, and held at the Yonkie Auditorium at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

"I've been very fortunate to get to know the people of the 315th OSS. They are a diverse group of both officer and enlisted and I look forward to leading them," said Morrison following the change of command.

Morrison began her Air Force career when she entered into the Air National Guard in 1989. She later graduate from Washington State University in 1993, and was commission in 1996. Morrison has logged more than 2,500 flying hours in the T-37, T-1 and KC-135/R.

Prior to taking command of the 315 OSS, she was assigned to the 18th Air Force at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where she was part of a team that led global airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, and contingency response operations for 11 wings and two direct reporting units.

"Lt. Col. Lara Morrison comes to us with a wealth of operational experience and knowledge of Air Mobility Command. She's going to enjoy the challenge of flying the C-17, and she will do very well with the 315th Operations Support Squadron," said Evernham. "The OSS provides much of the support for our flying operations, and is critical to what we do; it's a diverse operation and Lara is the right person to lead them into the future."

Directly following the 315th OSS change of command, McNamara assumed command of the 701st AS.

"Lt. Col. Tom McNamara has a solid history with the 315th and in the C-17; he has proven his leadership time and time again in a variety of jobs, including most recently, 315 OSS commander," said Evernham. "Tom is a natural choice to command a flying squadron, and the 701st Airlift Squadron will continue to flourish under his command, and will add to an already impressive operational history of superb volunteerism."

McNamara entered the Air Force in 1984 through the United States Air Force Academy where, upon graduation in 1988, he earned his commissioned. In 1999, McNamara separated from active duty in 1999 and joined the Air Force Reserve at Joint Base Charleston.

As a command pilot, he has logged more than 7,200 hours in military aircraft, including over 800 hours of combat time during Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

"To the 701st, what a great welcome! I'm very excited to be your commander. Thank you for everything you all do," said McNamara.