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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Bryant, 58th Training Squadron commander, speaks to Airmen of the 58th TRS for the first time as commander at a change of command ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jan. 3, 2020. Bryant, incoming 58th TRS commander, promised the squadron that as a team, they would provide the warfighters with discipline initiative and discipline lethality through professional training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin J. Prisbrey)

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Airmen with the 58th Training Squadron stand in formation during a change of command ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jan. 3, 2020. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Bryant, incoming 58th TRS commander, promised the squadron that as a team, they would provide the warfighters with discipline initiative and discipline lethality through professional training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin J. Prisbrey)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Carrell, 58th Operations Group commander, gives the guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Bryant, 58th Training Squadron commander, at a change of command ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jan. 3, 2020. Bryant, incoming 58th TRS commander, promised the squadron that as a team, they would provide the warfighters with discipline initiative and discipline lethality through professional training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin J. Prisbrey)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Carrell (left), 58th Operations Group commander, receives the guidon from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Sophie, 58th Training Squadron commander, at a change of command ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jan. 3, 2020. Sophie will work at the 58th OG for a time before going on to his next assignment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin J. Prisbrey)

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Sophie, 58th Training Squadron commander, renders his final salute to Airmen of the 58th TRS in a change of command ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jan. 3, 2020. Sophie will work at the 58th OG for a time before going on to his next assignment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Austin J. Prisbrey)

58th TRS receives new commander

Published Jan. 14, 2020
By Airman 1st Class Austin J. Prisbrey
Kirtland Public Affairs

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --

The 58th Training Squadron welcomed U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Bryant, as their new commander at a change of command ceremony Jan. 3, 2020.

The ceremony was presided over by U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Carrell, 58th Operations Group commander.

“[Bryant], I challenge you to build upon the progress that you and John have made,” said Carrell. “Keep the squadron moving to greater heights. I absolutely have full faith and confidence in you.”

Bryant previously served as the 58th TRS operations officer and brings in-house experience to the command position.

“To the men and woman of the 58th Training Squadron, I look forward to being a part of this team,” said Bryant. “I look forward to participating in your lives, your efforts, your studies and your success. I am here for you. My family is here for you. Together, we will provide the warfighters with discipline initiative and discipline lethality through professional training.”

Bryant took command of the squadron from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Sophie, who will work at the 58th OG for a time before going on to his next assignment.

“[Lt.] Col. Bryant has been a phenomenal [operations officer],” said Sophie. “He has absolutely crushed it and I have no doubt that he is going on to do great things.”

The Air Force change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another.