After more than a year of planning, a new squadron was activated during a ceremony held at Moody AFB (Georgia) March 25 to further support the unit capabilities of the 820th Security Forces Group.
After a new guidon was unveiled, the 820th Combat Operations Squadron became a fully functional unit in the 820th SFG.
"The mission of the 820th COS is to provide combat support for the first-in mission of the 820th SFG," said Col. Donald Derry, 820th SFG commander. "The creation of this squadron meets the operational mandate handed down by U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Northern Command.
"It also gives the 820th SFG the administrative structure necessary to meet continuing war on terrorism responsibilities and the on-going high operations tempo at home station and overseas," he added.
Beginning in May, Lt. Col. John Daberkow, Pentagon Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Architectures and Systems Branch chief, will assume command of the 820th COS.
"The role and growth of the 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing and the 820th SFG mindset is essential," said Lt. Col. Daberkow. "I am looking forward to joining this team so I can continue to see evidence of its positive impact."
The new squadron will also help support the existing squadrons under the 820th SFG's command.
"It will provide the oversight required to give home-based support for the other squadrons in the 820th SFG," said Colonel Derry. "The squadron's structure allows for a singularly focused support point for the rotating deployment of the three other squadrons."
Except for the incoming commander, all personnel assigned to the 820th COS come from within the current group staff.
"I am honored to be moving here and carrying on the 820th SFG mission," said Lt. Col. Daberkow. "I anticipate leading this new squadron forward."
Brigitte Brantley
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