Mead takes 334th FS reins

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley J. Thum
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Lt. Col. Donn Yates, 334th Fighter Squadron outgoing commander, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Nathan Mead, 334th FS incoming commander, during a ceremony held here, Jan. 16.

Mead was most recently assigned to the Pentagon and has now taken the lead of one of the 4th Fighter Wing's two formal training units for F-15E Strike Eagle aircrews.

The ceremony was presided over by Col. Brian Afflerbaugh, 4th Operations Group commander, who expressed his thanks for Yates' service and dedication and his high hopes for the squadron under Mead's leadership.

"A formal training unit is really a squadron of two parts," Afflerbaugh said. "You have the combat crew and aviators and brand new student navigators and student pilots still wet behind the ears. Leadership must take these experienced aviators, train them, teach them, and make them instructors to train this next generation of fighter pilots."

Command positions are not easy on military families, but Yates thanked his wife and children "from the bottom of his heart" for their perseverance before addressing his squadron for the last time.

"I'm excited to see where everyone's path takes them," Yates said. "It has been my honor to lead and serve with you. This was truly the highlight of my career."

After accepting command of the unit that has trained more than 500 students in the last 20 years, Mead recognized his family and others who have supported him throughout his career, directing a special message to his daughter whose birthday fell on the day of the ceremony.

Getting down to business, Mead shared his views on leading a squadron dedicated to training.

"As a young man, I dreamed of flying airplanes that look just like that," Mead said, pointing to the F-15E newly bearing his name. "However, I realized along the way that there's a greater joy and responsibility in teaching others to fly them."

Referencing the squadron's history involving volunteering to serve with the Royal Air Force in the fight against Germany during World War II, Mead imparted his vision for the future to the men and women of the 334th FS.

"Today, the 334th Fighter Squadron is training the next generation of wartime volunteers," Mead said. "With the tools to continue our proud heritage of service, we must together embrace our role of following in the footsteps of legends. Let's get to work."