JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Lt. Col. Stewart Newton passed the squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Patrick Farrell, during the 16th Airlift Squadron change of command ceremony May 16, 2014, at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
"The men and women of the 16th Airlift Squadron are truly extraordinary. Throughout my two-year command, they've shown incredible character, dedication and a knack for successfully completing the mission despite the odds," said Lt. Col. Newton.
Newton took command of the 16th AS July 23, 2012, where he led 154 combat crewmembers who execute C-17A Globemaster III airlift missions worldwide for DOD and National Command Authority directives. The 16th Airlift Squadron also conducts airland, airdrop and Special Operations Low Level II operations in support of global contingencies.
During his time in command, the 16th AS and its members proved to be an invaluable asset to the 437th Airlift Wing. The 16th AS deployed to the Central Command Area of Responsibility as the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, operating from two forward locations in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and HOA, where they flew 1,052 sorties, delivering 39 million pounds of cargo, 4,479 passengers, 40 aeromedical evacuation patients and airdropping 1.1 million pounds of supplies to forward operating bases throughout the AOR.
When not deployed, the 16th AS participated in numerous priority missions and training events, to include leading a 13-ship large formation exercise, the first in more than two and a half years at Joint Base Charleston.
Newton's next assignment will be at the University of South Carolina, where he will assume the responsibilities as Reserve Officer Training Corps commander.