JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- The 12th Operations Support Squadron welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Lt. Col. Kenneth Brakora succeeded Lt. Col. Nicholas Harris, marking a new chapter in the squadron’s leadership.
The ceremony, steeped in Air Force tradition, featured the passing of the squadron guidon, symbolizing the formal transfer of authority and responsibility. The event was attended by squadron members, base leadership, and distinguished guests.
Lt. Col. Harris, who led the 12th OSS through numerous training and operational milestones, reflected on his time with the squadron during the ceremony.
“My time as the commander of the Raptors has been an amazing experience,” Harris said. “There’s so much I will miss, but I am so glad I was able to experience it. Getting to work with you all has truly been a joy.”
Under Harris’s leadership, the 12th OSS supported the 12th Flying Training Wing’s critical training mission, providing essential services such as airfield operations, weather forecasting, and air traffic control. Notably, Harris led the squadron’s operations during The Great Texas Airshow, which was organized on JBSA-Randolph on short notice, ensuring its success and safety.
In his remarks, Lt. Col. Brakora expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the squadron and shared his optimism about the future.
“I truly look forward to the opportunity to work with you and learn from you over the next two years,” Brakora said. “As we face the challenges of the future, there's no team I’d rather be a part of to go through it.”
The 12th OSS plays a vital role in the success of Air Force pilot training, ensuring safe and effective operations across the 12th FTW. As Lt. Col. Brakora takes command, the squadron looks ahead to continued innovation and excellence in operational support.