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New leader at 552nd TRS

  • Published
  • By Ken LaFayette
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Lieutenant. Col. Steven D. Scavitto accepted command of the 552nd Training Squadron from Lt. Col. David F. Evans in an official ceremony Sept. 16.

Col. Gregory D. Roberts, 552nd Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony and encouraged the incoming commander.

"The challenges you will face will not be easy. However, I'm confident under your leadership the students and cadre of the TRS will be well equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow head-on," said Colonel Roberts.

Colonel Scavitto is no stranger to the AWACS. He recently served as director of operations in the 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron. He thanked leadership for trusting him to lead in the 552nd Air Control Wing and his family for their support and guidance over the years.

"You make me a better person. I can't even begin to thank you for all of your love and support," said Colonel Scavitto.

Colonel Scavitto brings a proven track record of judgment, decision making and employment credentials to the squadron.

"Your breadth of experience coupled with your prior command experience gives you a unique perspective and allows you to set tomorrow's AWACS crew members on a path to success," said Colonel Roberts.

After receiving the command pin from Colonel Roberts, Colonel Scavitto in his initial address to the "Griffins," charged the squadron to teach and train their replacements. He used a quote from Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno to summarize his point.

"The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital."

"Get them ready to go out and win, "he said, "I am humbled to be your commander and we will continue to train or die."

Addressing the squadron for the final time, Colonel Evans expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside great leaders and with the men and women of the squadron.

"You embraced the core values and demonstrated daily the impact of service before self," he said. "I can only hope that you learned as much from me as I learned from you."