U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Thompson, 52nd Operations Group commander, left, gives the ceremonial guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Mike Richard, incoming 480th Fighter Squadron commander, during the 480th FS change of command ceremony on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 2, 2017. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Preston Cherry)
On 2 June 2017, LtCol Michael P. “Bait” Richard assumed command of the 480th Fighter Squadron, joining the distinguished line of leaders of the finest fighter squadron the world has ever known. He fills the considerable flight boots of LtCol Timothy B. “Papa” Murphy, who skillfully led the Great Warhawk Nation since January of 2016.
The Great Warhawk Nation welcomes the new CINC Warhawk and wishes both Bait and Papa Godspeed in their new postings. Let’s say hello to the New Guy!!!
Captain Lance P. Sijan Memorial Plaza Dedicated
On 26 May 2017, the Captain Lance P. Sijan Memorial Plaza was dedicated at the Milwaukee International Airport. Central to the plaza is Captain Sijan’s F-4C Phantom, which was moved to the plaza from a dilapidated office park on the outskirts of Sijan’s hometown of Milwaukee. Captain Sijan was assigned to the 480th TFS when he ejected over enemy territory in 1967 due to an ordnance malfunction. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Read more about Captain Sijan HERE and HERE, and follow the F-4C’s journey to the plaza HERE, HERE, and HERE.
