4th OSS guidon passed to Divittorio

Lt. Col. Ernesto Divittorio, 4th Operations Support Squadron incoming commander, accepts the guidon from Col. Brian Afflerbaugh, 4th Operations Group commander, at the squadron’s change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Feb. 27, 2015. Divittorio accepted command of the squadron which was formerly led by Lt. Col. Christine Mau. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum)

4th OSS guidon passed to Divittorio

Lt. Col. Ernesto Divittorio, 4th Operations Support Squadron incoming commander, addresses the audience during the squadron’s change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Feb. 27, 2015. The 4th OSS provides several support functions, including air traffic control, weather analysis, intelligence services and aircrew flight equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum)

4th OSS guidon passed to Divittorio

Airmen from the 4th Operations Support Squadron stand at parade rest prior to the squadron’s change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Feb. 27, 2015. Base and community leadership, along with friends and family of the squadron’s incoming and outgoing commanders, gathered to witness the traditional passing of the guidon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum)

4th OSS guidon passed to Divittorio

Published March 4, 2015
By Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Lt. Col. Ernesto Divittorio assumed command of the 4th Operations Support Squadron during a change of command ceremony here, Feb. 27.

Divittorio accepted the guidon from Col. Brian Afflerbaugh, 4th Operations Group commander, and will now lead a squadron of more than 200 members.

"Active-duty and civilian Airmen of the 4th Operations Support Squadron, it is an honor to be counted among your ranks today," Divittorio said. "Your reputation in the United States Air Force is well known, and your accomplishments are impressive."

The 4th OSS is comprised of 10 career fields ranging from aircrew flight equipment, weather analysis and intelligence services, to survival, evasion, resistance and escape. The unit is also responsible for managing the Dare County Bomb Range, a $40 million, 46,000 acre, joint-use bombing and electronic range facility and the largest bomb range on the east coast.

"Finding the right person to lead an organization as diverse as this is a challenge," Afflerbaugh said. "It takes someone that's mature, flexible and willing to learn, and humble all at the same time. We pick the best and the bravest for this position."

Before returning her squadron's salute for the last time, Lt. Col. Christine Mau, 4th OSS outgoing commander, thanked her family and friends for their support.

"I know I did my best, I know I gave it my all, but I am going to miss the people and the mission of the OSS," Mau said. "As I prepare to leave the greatest job I've ever had, I want to wish you luck and much success."

Divittorio said people of several ranks, from senior master sergeant to major general, acknowledged the unit's success during his recent attendance at squadron commander school. He also expressed his excitement for the future of the 4th OSS.

"Though we are designated the 4th OSS, make no mistake, you are first among your peers," Divittorio said. "I look forward to serving alongside you."