HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- The 419th Operations Support Squadron held a change of command ceremony here Sept. 11, 2022, whereby Col. Jayson J. Rickard relinquished command to Lt. Col. Jeffery R. Harding.
Harding received his commission in 2003 through the ROTC of University of Oklahoma, where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. Prior to his new position, Harding served as the flight commander of the 466th Fighter Squadron. Harding has piloted the T-37, T-38, F-16 and F-35A and has logged over 2,500 flight hours.
Rickard had served as commander of the 419th OSS since 2020. Harding said he is looking forward to carrying on the mission that Rickard started and that his top priority will continue to be taking care of the Airmen first.
Operations support consists of units that are responsible for air crew flight equipment, intelligence, and current operations. The 419th OSS provides support to the wing by preparing Airmen with the equipment and intelligence required to deploy and accomplish their mission at any location necessary.