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U.S. Air Force Col. Jerry Copeland, left, 354th Maintenance Group commander, passes the 356th Fighter Generation Squadron guidon to Maj. Matthew Ward, incoming 356th Fighter Generation Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 22, 2025. The 356th FGS is responsible for the maintenance of Eielson’s F-35A Lightning II and ensuring the aircraft are mission ready to deliver air power to Combatant Commanders in defense of national military objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Hanson)

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U.S. Air Force Maj. John Ritschard, right, 356th Fighter Generation Squadron outgoing commander, relinquishes command to Col. Jerry Copeland, 354th Maintenance Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 22, 2025. The 356th FGS is responsible for the maintenance of Eielson’s F-35A Lightning II and ensuring the aircraft are mission ready to deliver air power to Combatant Commanders in defense of national military objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Spencer Hanson)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Jerry Copeland, 354th Maintenance Group commander, awards Maj. John Ritschard, 356th Fighter Generation Squadron outgoing commander, with the Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 22, 2025. This medal is awarded to those who stand out through their actions and service to the military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Spencer Hanson)

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U.S. Air Force Col. Jerry Copeland, 354th Maintenance Group commander, awards Maj. John Ritschard, 356th Fighter Generation Squadron outgoing commander, with the Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 22, 2025. This medal is awarded to those who stand out through their actions and service to the military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Spencer Hanson)

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356th FGS Change of Command

Published May 28, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Spencer Hanson
354th Fighter Wing

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --

The 356th Fighter Generation Squadron held their Change of Command ceremony May 22, 2025. The 356th FGS is responsible for the maintenance of Eielson’s F-35A Lightning II and ensuring the aircraft are mission ready to deliver air power to Combatant Commanders in defense of national military objectives.

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