EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony, April 23, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
Maj. Lindsay Christopherson assumed command from Lt. Col. Josephine Beacham before the presiding officer, Col. David Moreland, 33rd Maintenance Group commander, members of the 33rd Fighter Wing, the 33rd AMXS, friends and family. Current safety guidelines for COVID-19 were implemented.
Beacham will continue her service in the Air Force as the 436th AMXS commander at Dover AFB, Delaware.
“This experience has taught me so much about leadership and what it truly means to be a commander,” said Beacham. “It was not only a duty title to me, but every thought, every word and every action was about being a commander, through the ups and downs, challenges and successes.”
Beacham gave appreciation and praise to her leadership team and members of the 33rd AMXS and attributed her success to their work.
“I am a better leader, I am a better commander, and I am a better person because of you all,” said Beacham.
Christopherson is coming to the 33rd AMXS after working for the Secretary of the Air Force’s Public Affairs Strategy and Assessments Division after completing the Air Force’s Strategic Communication Fellowship at George Mason University. She became an aircraft maintenance and munitions officer in 2008 and has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Unified Protector and Enduring Freedom.
“To the heartbeat of the 33rd AMXS, our people, thank you for your tireless dedication to the mission, your professionalism and the sacrifices you and your family make day-in and day-out,” said Christopherson. “For years you’ve delivered safe, reliable aircraft to train and produce some of the world’s most capable maintainers and aviators, and I am humbled, excited and proud to be your new commander.”
As the 33rd AMXS commander, Christopherson will lead and manage the maintenance training and development of approximately 385 maintainers. The squadron maintains 30 F-35A Lightning II jets in support of F-35A pilot and maintainer training.