CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony June 19 in the Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Maintenance Section.
Lt. Col. Stevan Kaighen, who most recently served as operations officer of the 437 LRS and deputy director of logistics for the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee in Washington, replaced Lt. Col. James Petrick as commander.
Colonel Petrick will assume his new duties with a division of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Turkey.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana but actually grew up on a little Island named Roatan. Roatan is considered my hometown and has the distinction of being one of the words greatest dive areas as well as the most relaxing island I've known.
How do you feel about being stationed at Charleston?
I am thoroughly impressed with Charleston AFB, the mission, the professional work environment and most of all, the team spirit here. This assignment has thoroughly delighted me and my family.
What are your initial plans as the new commander?
I foresee us investing significant energy in "Smart Ops" initiatives and the Charleston AFB Joint Basing initial operational capability projected for next year. Having said this, our mission here at Charleston has not slowed down; with current "Aggregate Mission" taskings and challenges associated with our high operation-tempo, we will remain quite busy just meeting current taskings and mission requirements.
What are your expectations of your personnel?
I expect nothing but the best from our Airmen in LRS. I expect them to stay the course of excellence and professionalism they have demonstrated over the last two years while I was their operations officer.
What was your most memorable assignment and why?
To this point, and not including Charleston, I would say my assignment to the U.S. Embassy in Bogota as the Chief of Security Cooperation and Foreign Military Sales was the most memorable and rewarding.
Favorite movie:
I'm an "action movie" fan, but I would say the movie "The Count of Monte Cristo" based on the book by Alexandre Dumas has always entertained me.
Major pet peeve:
Dishonesty. I have zero tolerance for violations of honesty and integrity. None of us are perfect, but flagrant deviations in integrity and or honesty strips away the fabric of what makes a person a "good person." Additionally these deviations destroys our proud heritage as Airmen and what we represent to the rest of the free world - honest, decent, trustworthy people serving a higher calling.
Favorite quote:
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." (John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the United States).
Interesting fact about yourself:
I grew up on an island that had no TV, cars or electricity for most of my childhood and loved every minute of it.
Why did you join the Air Force:
I have always have been inspired and excited about the Air Force and its integral part in making our country great. I was anxious to enlist and later on honored with the opportunity to lead as an Air Force officer. I carry this same enthusiasm today and am ever so proud to be a part of our nation's defense.
How would you describe your leadership style:
Truly, I hate to go to a book and pull out a leadership style as defined by an author so let me offer you this thought; I would say that I'm a leader with respect and faith in the good of all people and it is incumbent upon you, the individual, to prove to me that you are other than a good person wanting to do good things. Now having said that, I taper this foundation with studied experience and with a sprinkle of "Firm, but Fair" and look to inspire others to be better today than they were yesterday.