Col. Mark Slocum (left), 48th Operations Group commander, presents Lt. Col. John Orchard, outgoing 492nd Fighter Squadron commander, the Meritorious Service Medal during the 492nd FS change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Dec. 6, 2013. The MSM is given to service members for exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber/Released)
Col. Mark Slocum (left), 48th Operations Group commander, receives the guidon from Lt. Col. John Orchard, outgoing 492nd Fighter Squadron commander, as he relinquishes command of the 492nd FS at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Dec. 6, 2013. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber/Released)
Col. Mark Slocum (left), 48th Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Richard Carver, incoming 492nd Fighter Squadron commander, as he assumes command of the 492nd FS at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Dec. 6, 2013. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber/Released)
Service members attend a ceremony for new 492nd Fighter Squadron commander Lt. Col. Richard Carver as he assumes command at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Dec. 6, 2013. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Dawn M. Weber/Released)
Col. Mark Slocum (left), 48th Operations Group commander, Lt. Col. John Orchard (middle), outgoing 492nd Fighter Squadron commander, and Lt. Col. Richard Carver, incoming 492nd FS commander, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Dec. 6, 2013. During the ceremony, Orchard relinquished command, and Carver assumed his responsibilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea/Released)
Upon assuming command of the 492nd Fighter Squadron, Lt. Col. Richard Carver’s name is revealed on an F-15E Strike Eagle during the change of command at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Dec. 6, 2013. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Erin O’Shea/Released)