HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Members of the 492nd Special Operations Wing welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony held at Hurlburt Field on June 27. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presided over the ceremony as Col. Zak Blom assumed command from Col. Patrick Wnetrzak.
“Under Colonel Wnetrzak and Chief Gunnel’s leadership, the 492nd SOW has achieved remarkable success as one of the most dynamic wings in the entire Air Force,” said Lt. Gen. Conley. “Your mission sets are extensive, encompassing global flying operations, rigorous training across a multitude of air frames, and the crucial development of our Air Commandos.”
Wnetrzak's tenure as commander saw significant achievements, including preparing the 492nd SOW to become the next mission ready wing capable of executing special operations strikes, mobility, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance under Air Force Special Operations Command. His leadership also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and professionalism within the unit.
“To the men and women of the 492nd SOW,” said Wnetrzak. “You are the reason this wing succeeds. You have endured and accepted every challenge with determination, and never – never – backed down from a mission, no matter the odds”
Members of the wing rendered a final salute to Wnetrzak and an initial welcome salute to Col. Blom. Blom comes to the 492nd SOW from the 353rd SOW, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to his new role.
“It is a tremendous honor to stand before you, taking command of the 492nd SOW,” said Blom. “We will continue to train, deploy and support the force, regardless of location your mission will be supported. I am proud to join your ranks.”
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition symbolizing the formal transfer of authority from one commanding officer to another. The passing of the unit guidon signifies this transfer of authority and responsibility, representing the unit's heritage and loyalty.
The ceremony also included a change of responsibility for Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Gunnell to Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Moore as the incoming command chief. Moore accepted the critical role of the senior enlisted leader in maintaining the morale, welfare, and readiness of the 492nd SOW while fostering the culture of disciplined professionalism and resilience that defines the Carpetbaggers.
“I am incredibly proud of our time in the 492nd SOW,” said Gunnell. “This Wing has an incredible history of perseverance, adaptation, and grit. These traits were on display by our members every day of the two years I was able to be in this organization. I look forward to seeing the new heights this historic Wing can achieve under the talented leadership of Col. Blom and Chief Moore.”
“Our mission demands excellence,” said Blom. “We will meet it head-on as disciplined professionals, united in purpose and relentless in execution.”
The 492nd SOW stands ready to continue executing its vital mission under the leadership of Blom and Moore, while always ready “Any time…any place.”