BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif –
Colonel Mark Metz handed over command of the 713th Combat Operations Squadron during a change of command ceremony, February 9, on Beale Air Force Base, Calif.
Colonel Thomas Klingensmith assumed command of the 713 COS as Metz transitions to his role as Mobilization Assistant to the Vice Commander, 7th Air Force at Osan Air Base, Korea.
Metz began his Air Force career as an Air Force Academy graduate with a degree in civil engineering. In 2006, he was assigned to Detachment 1, 701st COS at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, serving as Operations Officer and later squadron Commander.
Klingensmith previously held the position of Deputy Group Commander, 419th Operations Groups, Hill AFB, Utah and most recently served as the Special Assistant to the Commander of the 419th Fighter Wing.
Colonel Joseph Battaglia, 940th Operations Group Commander, said Klingensmith brings a logical and well-thought-out leadership style that will benefit the 713 COS's mission.
"He is exactly the guy we need to lead the 713th, and I have no doubt he'll do a fantastic job," said Battaglia.