CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 437th Communications Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony June 27 here.
Maj. Gino Sarcomo, who recently graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., replaced Lt. Col. Darren Roach. Colonel Roach will go on to be the chairman of NATO military, Frequency Management Group for the U.S. delegate to NATO in Belgium.
Major Sarcomo was born on a naval base outside of Taipei, Taiwan, while his father was stationed there. After his father retired from the Air Force, they settled in Highlands, N.J., where he would spend most of his childhood.
Since joining the Air Force, he has been stationed at several other bases, but this is his first assignment to Charleston AFB.
"Charleston has an incredible reputation and Robyn and I are really excited to be here," said Major Sarcomo. "The mission, location and the sense of community are second to none."
As the new commander of 437 CS, he said his initial plans include having his team focus on tactics, techniques and procedures to ensure they meet and exceed their assigned objectives in preparation for the upcoming operational readiness inspection.
"Additionally, the commander of Air Mobility Command has talked about getting back to basics," said Major Sarcomo. "This applies not just to the ORI, but in everything we do. In the long run, we need to address joint basing and how communications will support our naval partner."
He expects the 437 CS to continue to set the standard in all they do. He said they have a significant responsibility to the nation and the wing's mission, but he wants them to love their jobs and have fun at what they do best.
What is an interesting fact about yourself?
I read a lot of material related to kinesiology, strength and conditioning, and athletic performance enhancement. We're only born with one tangible thing in life, and it's important to spend more time learning about how the body works and how to make it better.
What is your favorite movie?
More than one ... Gladiator, Braveheart, Usual Suspects, and The Replacements. All of them are fun movies to watch.
What is your major pet peeve?
Apathy.
Who is your favorite author?
Jim Butcher because of his pure entertainment that makes me laugh and keeps my attention.
What is your favorite quote?
"There's no such thing as chance."
Why did you join the Air Force?
I wanted to do something that served the greater good. At the time, its reputation and public image seemed to make the Air Force a natural fit.
How would you describe your leadership style?
It's a no-holds barred, do-whatever-it-takes attitude to accomplish the mission within confines of our laws and regulations. That intent is always balanced by how much I care for my team of communicators. They are my No. 1 priority.
Who is your role model and why?
No one specifically -- everyone I've worked with has, in their own way, been a teacher. Some have shown me what to do; others have shown me what not to do.
What was your most memorable assignment and why? My most memorable assignment was the three years on the Joint Chiefs of Staff serving in the J5 directorate. Very memorable, very intense ... it was my most challenging assignment thus far, but I left with a deep and profound perspective on politico-military affairs and planning at the operational and strategic levels.