355th Fighter Squadron Change of Command Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Severino, 355th Fighter Squadron commander, renders his first salute during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 14, 2026. The 355th FS is one of two fighter squadrons attached to the 354th Fighter Wing that utilizes F-35A Lightning II’s to provide suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter-air missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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355th Fighter Squadron Change of Command Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Erik Gonsalves, 355th Fighter Squadron commander, right, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from U.S. Air Force Col. Samuel Chipman, 354th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 14, 2026. The 355th FS is one of two fighter squadrons attached to the 354th Fighter Wing that utilizes F-35A Lightning II’s to provide suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter-air missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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355th Fighter Squadron Change of Command Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Erik Gonsalves, right, relinquishes command of the 355th Fighter Squadron to U.S. Air Force Col. Samuel Chipman, 354th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 14, 2026. Change of command ceremonies feature the passing of the guidon from the outgoing to the incoming commander, ensuring continuity of authority and accountability before the assembled unit and underscoring the Air Force’s commitment to discipline and heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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355th Fighter Squadron Change of Command Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Severino, right, assumes command of the 355th Fighter Squadron from U.S. Air Force Col. Samuel Chipman, 354th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 14, 2026. Change of command ceremonies feature the passing of the guidon from the outgoing to the incoming commander, ensuring continuity of authority and accountability before the assembled unit and underscoring the Air Force’s commitment to discipline and heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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355th Fighter Squadron Change of Command Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Erik Gonsalves, 355th Fighter Squadron commander, renders his final salute to members of the 355th FS during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 14, 2026. The change of command ceremony is an American military tradition deeply rooted in history, signifying the authority of the incoming commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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355th Fighter Squadron Change of Command Ceremony

Published Aug. 17, 2026
By Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski
354th Fighter Wing

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Severino, 355th Fighter Squadron commander, renders his first salute during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 14, 2026. The 355th FS is one of two fighter squadrons attached to the 354th Fighter Wing that utilizes F-35A Lightning II’s to provide suppression of enemy air defenses and offensive counter-air missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)