39th MDSS welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Kersten, 39th Medical Support Squadron commander, renders his first salute to squadron personnel during a change of command ceremony July, 7, 2016, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Prior to taking command, Kersten was the director of operations, 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin M. Rumbaugh/Released)

39th MDSS welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Kersten, 39th Medical Support Squadron incoming commander, recieves command from U.S. Air Force Col. John Walker, 39th Air Base Wing commander, July 7, 2016, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Prior to taking command, Kersten was the director of operations, 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin M. Rumbaugh/Released)

39th MDSS welcomes new commander

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Jeremy Hooper, 39th Medical Support Squadron outgoing commander, relinquishes command to U.S. Air Force Col. John Walker, 39th Air Base Wing commander, July 7, 2016, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. While the 39th MDSS commander, Hooper was responsible for and directed the budget to sustain group personnel and providing healthcare to personnel across Turkey. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Devin M. Rumbaugh/Released)

39th MDSS welcomes new commander

Published July 7, 2016
By Airman 1st Class Devin M. Rumbaugh
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --

Lt. Col. Michael Kersten took command of the 39th Medical Support Squadron during a change of command ceremony here, July 7.

Prior to taking command, Kersten was the director of operations, 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

A change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.