39th Weapons System Security Group Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Devon Bledsoe, 39th Weapons Systems Security Group deputy commander, renders a final salute to Col. John Szczepanski, 39th WSSG outgoing commander, during their change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, July 8, 2026. Change of command ceremonies symbolize the official transfer of authority of squadrons, groups, wings and major commands from one commanding officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

39th Weapons System Security Group Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Devon Bledsoe, 39th Weapons Systems Security Group deputy commander, renders the first salute to Col. Matthew McGinnis, 39th WSSG incoming commander, during their change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, July 8, 2026. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

39th Weapons System Security Group Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew McGinnis, 39th Weapons Systems Security Group incoming commander, gives a speech during the 39th WSSG change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, July 8, 2026. The 39th WSSG directly supports U.S. and NATO forces assigned to Incirlik AB with aerospace ground equipment, aircraft service support and munitions maintenance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

39th Weapons System Security Group Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Col. Albert Esposito, 39th Air Base Wing commander, passes the guidon to Col. Matthew McGinnis, 39th Weapons System Security Group incoming commander, during the 39th WSSG change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, July 8, 2026. As WSSG Commander, McGinnis is responsible for more than 570 military and civilian personnel across three diverse squadrons encompassing 30 Air Force Specialty Codes. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

39th Weapons System Security Group Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Col. Albert Esposito, 39th Air Base Wing commander, receives the guidon from Col. John Szczepanski, 39th Weapons System Security Group outgoing commander, during the 39th WSSG change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, July 8, 2026. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

39th Weapons System Security Group Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Col. John Szczepanski, 39th Weapons System Security Group outgoing commander, gives a speech during the 39th WSSG change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, July 8, 2026. The ceremony recognized Szczepanski’s leadership, accomplishments and service to the Airmen of the 39th WSSG and the Incirlik AB community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

39th Weapons System Security Group Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Col. Albert Esposito, 39th Air Base Wing commander, Col. Matthew McGinnis, 39th Weapons System Security Group incoming commander, and Col. John Szczepanski, 39th WSSG outgoing commander, stands during the 39th WSSG change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, July 8, 2026. The WSSG consists of maintenance, operations and operations support, and security forces personnel executing operations in support of NATO mission objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

39th Weapons System Security Group Change of Command

Published July 9, 2026
By Senior Airman Evelyn J D'Errico
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye --

On July 8, 2026, Col. John Szczepanski, 39th Weapons System Security Group outgoing commander, relinquished command of the 39th WSSG and Col. Matthew McGinnis, 39th Weapons System Security Group incoming commander, was appointed command at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye.

Change of command ceremonies symbolize the official transfer of authority of squadrons, groups, wings and major commands from one commanding officer to another.