CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 437th Aerospace Medicine Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony June 25 here.
Lt. Col. Pamela Smith, former chief of flight medicine for Headquarters Pacific Air Forces at Hickam AFB, Hawaii, replaced Lt. Col. James Boyd. Colonel Boyd's next assignment will be at Hurlbert Field, Fla., as the chief of flight medicine for Air Force Special Operations Command.
"My assignment as the chief of flight medicine in the HQ PACAF command surgeon's office was a great experience working with an outstanding team that allowed me to travel throughout the Pacific and assist nine bases with implementing Air Force policy," said Colonel Smith.
Colonel Smith was born and raised in Kansas. She enlisted in the Kansas National Guard in 1985 where she served seven years as a medical technician attaining the rank of technical sergeant. While she was in the Guard she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from the University of Kansas. She entered the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in 1992, commissioned as a second lieutenant, and received her Medical Doctorate Degree in 1996. After completing her internship in general surgery, her first assignment was as a squadron medical element flight surgeon for the 9th Air Refueling Squadron at Travis AFB, Calif.
After several other assignments, this will be Colonel Smith's first assignment to Charleston AFB. She said she is glad to be here at Charleston and looks forward to contributing to the 437th Airlift Wing's mission.
"I plan to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the 437 AMDS and its members in order to formulate a plan to capitalize on the squadron strengths, improve its weakness and assist each member to meet their professional goals," said Colonel Smith. "The goal of our squadron is to optimize and maintain a fit and fighting force by providing comprehensive care through the delivery of medical, dental, occupational, optometric, environmental and public health services. The 437 AMDS also trains and deploys global reach laydown and preventive medicine teams and supports a 250-bed contingency aeromedical staging facility."
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite types of movies are action and comedy.
Who is your favorite author?
I enjoy suspense and mystery novels such as those written by James Patterson.
What is your major pet peeve?
Inconsiderate behavior -- common courtesy goes a long way personally and professionally.
What is your favorite quote?
"Life is a journey not a destination." -unknown
Why did you join the Air Force?
I joined the Kansas Air National Guard in 1985 as a medical technician to work my way through college and start my career in the medical field.
How would you describe your leadership style?
My style is leadership by example -- encouraging members to take initiative and accept responsibility.
Who is your role model and why?
My father has been my lifelong role model. His hard-working values and ethics as an Army officer, caring parent and husband were instilled in me from an early age. Col. Wayne Pritt has been an outstanding mentor throughout my Air Force career whose professionalism, dedication and leadership has provided a great example for me to follow.
What are your expectations of your Airmen?
Do their best.