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145th Airlift Wing welcomes new Operations Support Squadron commander

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Patricia F. Moran
  • 145th Public Affairs
CHARLOTTE, N.C. --  Lt. Col. Bradley E. Holbrooks, C-130 senior mission pilot for the 145th Airlift Wing, assumed command of the 145th Operations Support Squadron (OSS) during a change of command ceremony held at the North Carolina Air National Guard base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, June 6, 2015. 

Holbrooks joined the North Carolina Air National Guard on July 12, 1990 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant February 14, 1991.  Holbrooks left North Carolina to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training in Class 92-07, at Reese AFB, Lubbock Texas, graduating April 3, 1992.

After successfully completing pilot training and earning his wings, Holbrooks then returned to the 145th Airlift Wing in September 1992 as a pilot, flying C-130 Hercules aircraft. He became a pilot for the Modular Airborne Firefighting mission (MAFFS) in 1995.

Lt. Col. Holbrooks has deployed overseas supporting many missions including Operation Southern Watch in 1993 and Operation Provide Promise in 1995. He continued serving from 2004 to 2005 supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  His most recent deployment was serving as Director of Operations for the 746th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in Qatar.

Before assuming command of the 145th OSS, Holbrooks served as the 156th Airlift Squadron Chief Pilot. He has over 24 years of military service with the NCANG where he has served as the Unit Deployment Manager and Flight Commander for the 156th Airlift Squadron. 

Now as commander, Holbrooks will oversee many functions within the 145th OSS including Aircrew Flight Equipment, Airfield Operations, Intelligence, Current Operations, Readiness, Aircrew Training and Combat Tactics.

After accepting the guidon from Col. Charles D. Davis III, commander of the 145th Operations Group and assuming command of the 145th OSS, Lt. Col. Holbrooks spoke to members of the 145th Airlift Wing, Operations Group, and Operations Squadron thanking them for the distinct honor and unique opportunity to lead the 145th OSS in times of increased challenges.  

"For over 24 years I have had the privilege to serve with some incredible people in the North Carolina Air National Guard." said Holbrooks. "I want to thank my family, my past and present commanders and my peers for everything you have done to support me in my guard career. I am humbled and excited to be the next commander for the 145th Operations Support Squadron."

Holbrooks closed by saying, "We are in a serious business and it's our job to be trained and ready when our nation or state calls.  I ask the professionals of the 145th OSS to stay focused on our mission and your contribution to the unit and to be the best airman you can be. I am proud to be a member of your squadron and I look forward to serving with you!"