82nd RS change of command

Members assigned to the Kadena Air Base Honor Guard present the colors during the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron change of command at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2025. A change of command ceremony formally transfers authority and responsibility from one leader to another. It’s a significant military and organizational tradition that symbolizes the passing of the torch and honors both the departing and incoming commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)

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82nd RS change of command

Members assigned to the Kadena Air Base Honor Guard march forward during the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron change of command at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2025. A change of command ceremony formally transfers authority and responsibility from one leader to another. It’s a significant military and organizational tradition that symbolizes the passing of the torch and honors both the departing and incoming commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)

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82nd RS change of command

From left, U.S. Air Force Col. John Isacco, 55th Operations Group commander, Lt. Col. John Casey, outgoing 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron commander, and Lt. Col. Michael Ellsworth, incoming 82nd RS commander, applauds during the 82nd RS change of command ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2025. A change of command ceremony formally transfers authority and responsibility from one leader to another. It’s a significant military and organizational tradition that symbolizes the passing of the torch and honors both the departing and incoming commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)

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82nd RS change of command

U.S. Air Force Col. John Isacco, 55th Operations Group commander, left, gives remarks during the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron change of command ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2025. A change of command ceremony formally transfers authority and responsibility from one leader to another. It’s a significant military and organizational tradition that symbolizes the passing of the torch and honors both the departing and incoming commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)

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82nd RS change of command

Family members and friends of the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron, attend the change of command at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2025. A change of command ceremony formally transfers authority and responsibility from one leader to another. It’s a significant military and organizational tradition that symbolizes the passing of the torch and honors both the departing and incoming commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)

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82nd RS change of command

U.S. Air Force Col. John Isacco, left, 55th Operations Group commander, takes the guidon from Lt. Col. John Casey, right, outgoing 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron commander at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2025. Passing the unit's guidon is a tradition where the outgoing commander symbolically relinquishes responsibility and authority to the incoming commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)

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82nd RS change of command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John Casey, right, outgoing 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron commander, receives his final salute during the 82nd RS change of command ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2025. A change of command ceremony formally transfers authority and responsibility from one leader to another. It’s a significant military and organizational tradition that symbolizes the passing of the torch and honors both the departing and incoming commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)

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82nd RS change of command

U.S. Air Force Col. John Isacco, left, 55th Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Michael Ellsworth, incoming 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron commander, at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2025. Passing the unit's guidon is a tradition where the outgoing commander symbolically relinquishes responsibility and authority to the incoming commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)

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82nd RS change of command

An 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron patch is displayed on the uniform of an airman during the change of command reception at Kadena Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2025. U.S Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Ellsworth took command of the 82nd RS in a ceremony officiated by Col. John Isacco, 55th Operations Group commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo)

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82nd RS change of command

Published June 9, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Arnet Tamayo
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --

U.S Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Ellsworth took command of the 82nd RS in a ceremony officiated by Col. John Isacco, 55th Operations Group commander.