U.S. Air Force Col. James G. Young, commander, 86th Operations Group, passes the 424th Air Base Squadron to Lt. Col. Steven A. Schnoebelen, incoming commander, symbolizing his assumption of command, during the 424th ABS Change of Command ceremony, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, June 21, 2019. (U.S. Army photo by Pierre-Etienne Courtejoie)

424th Air Base Squadron welcomes new commander

CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- Air Force Lt. Col. Steven A. Schnoebelen assumed command of the 424th Air Base Squadron during a Change of Command ceremony on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, June 21. He replaced Air Force Lt. Col. Craig D. Lindstrom.

During the ceremony, Lindstrom remarked on the accomplishments made by his Airmen.

"To the men and women of the 424th Air Base Squadron, it has been an honor to be your commander,” said Lindstrom.

“Each day, I was privileged to see the airfield come alive under your hands. I observed how a small squadron can operate an airfield 24/7, 365 days a year," he added. 

Lindstrom’s next assignment will be at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

“GIVE YOU MY BEST”

Before assuming command of the 424th Air Base Squadron, Schnoebelen was the director of operations of the 310th Airlift Squadron in MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

He was responsible for the training, readiness and operational direction of Airmen providing high priority global airlift support to senior U.S. government officials. He oversaw the policies, planning and employment of a fleet of C-37 aircraft enabling senior leader and combatant commander travel in pursuit of national security objectives.

His experience also includes both operational and staff assignments across a variety of Department of Defense and NATO positions. He deployed to Germany, Ukraine, Qatar and Turkey in support of contingency operations throughout his career.

After assuming command, Schnoebelen addressed his Airmen and the audience.

“My promise is to give you my best, each and every day, to make all of you and your families and, ultimately, our mission successful,” he said.

Story by Christophe Morel, USAG Benelux Public Affairs