Col. Yetishefsky takes command of AFFSA Published July 2, 2015 By Kimberly Woodruff Staff Writer TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Col. Matthew Yetishefsky assumed command of the Air Force Flight Standards Agency in a June 24 ceremony at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base. Before coming to the AFFSA, Colonel Yetishefsky was the chief of Congressional Inquiries and Travel Division in the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Legislative Liaison. During the assumption of command ceremony, he talked about a call he received a few months ago regarding an opportunity for a new assignment. Steven Pennington, the chief of bases, ranges and airspace, and acting executive director for the Department of Defense Policy Board on Federal Aviation, told him about AFFSA and how it was like no other group in the Air Force. "After researching AFFSA, I understood why," said the colonel. "The Air Force could not execute its worldwide mission without the work we do here at AFFSA. We are still a nation at war and operations downrange can't happen without AFFSA." Mr. Pennington said AFFSA makes joint and Air Force flight operations possible. "We create systems, train the people and oversee it all so people can get on and off the ground and return safely to do it again the next day," he said. Mr. Pennington also spoke of partnerships, either in a family, government, active or Reserve, FAA partners and contractors. "We can't do anything alone, we do everything through partnerships, and AFFSA is a great example of how to do it very well," said Mr. Pennington. Colonel Yetishefsky said AFFSA has an important mission. "Always think about the Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors we support," he said. "They need our support and our best each day." Lastly, the colonel asked that everyone be bold in their leadership at AFFSA. "If there is an issue that AFFSA needs to be in charge of, let's be the point man and move out on that," he said. "Always keep it in mind that we'll do it smart, efficiently and always in line with our Air Force values."