JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
Lt. Col. Steven A. Frodsham took command of the 192nd Maintenance Squadron during a ceremony held May 21, 2017, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. An assumption of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the new commander formally stepping into the role as the commanding officer of a unit or squadron.
“The assumption of command ceremony is part of our military history dating back to the 18th century when organizational flags were developed with color arrangements and symbols unique to a particular unit. To this flag, the soldiers dedicated their loyalty and trust. The organization’s banner was exchanged in full view so every soldier could see the officer now entrusted to lead them into battle,” said Senior Master Sgt. Walter Moore, the narrator of the ceremony.
Col. Jeffery L. Ryan, 192nd Maintenance Group commander, presented the 192nd Maintenance Squadron colors to Frodsham to signify his assumption of command. The 192nd Fighter Wing vice commander, Col. Frank J. Lobash, was the previous MXS commander from September 2014 to March 2017.
“Lt. Col. Frodsham, you are inheriting a diverse and incredibly capable squadron. It will be your job, your mission, to bring out the very best in each and every member of your team. They depend on you and our nation depends on them,” said Ryan.
In 1999, Frodsham graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering and commissioned as an officer. He immediately attended pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, and was the top graduate of his F-16C basic course.
During his first operational assignment with the 23rd Fighter Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Frodsham upgraded to an F-16 instructor pilot. He flew combat missions over Iraq in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Northern Watch, and Southern Watch. Frodsham then moved on to serve with the 522nd Fighter Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, as a flight commander, squadron weapons officer and wing weapons officer. He was awarded the 2005 Air Combat Command Instructor Pilot of the Year.
In 2006, Frodsham made the transition to the F-22 and was assigned to the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. He led the 94th’s first-ever F-22 deployment to the Pacific area of responsibility in support of theater security package requirements in 2009.
With over 2,000 fighter hours in the F-22, F-16C/D, F-15D, F-4, and T-38 aircraft, Frodsham joined the Virginia Air National Guard in 2010. Fulfilling multiple roles, Frodsham served as an F-22 flight examiner, F-22 instructor pilot and as the 192nd FW Operation Support Squadron director of operations.
“Squadron command is the toughest and most demanding job you will ever have. It will also be the most rewarding. Your squadron as they say, is fixin’ to fight, and they do it extremely well. Under your leadership, I know that tradition will continue,” said Ryan to Frodsham before handing over the guidon.
“I am truly honored, humbled, and excited to be taking command of the 192nd Maintenance Squadron. With 132 members in nine geographically separated functional areas, we are one of the largest and most diverse squadrons on all of Langley Air Force Base. You are the corporate knowledge, the continuity, and the cornerstone of our total force relationship with our active duty brothers and sisters. I look forward to getting to know each of you as we focus on training, equipping, and taking care of this great squadron,” said Frodsham, during his assumption of command speech.