428th Fighter Squadron change of command

Members of the 428th Fighter Squadron render a salute during the singing of both the Singaporean and U.S. national anthems. Lt. Col. Michael Quintini assumed command of the 428th Fighter Squadron from Lt. Col. Keith Gibson during a ceremony at Hangar 1331 here January 14. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Samuel Anderson)

Buccaneers hold first change of command

Published Jan. 19, 2011
By Airman Samuel Anderson
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Lt. Col. Michael Quintini assumed command of the 428th Fighter Squadron from Lt. Col. Keith Gibson during a ceremony at Hangar 1331 here January 14.

This change of command marked the first time the Singaporean Squadron has held the traditional ceremony that many other squadrons on this base have experienced for so many decades. Colonel Quintini previously held the position of director of operations at the 428th FS.

Colonel Gibson departs Mountain Home for an assignment with the 13th Air Force which is stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

Presiding over the ceremony was Col. Kyle Robinson, 366th Operations Group commander, who said the reason the squadron is the way it is today is due to the hard work Colonel Gibson put in.

"Your fingerprints are all over this squadron," said Colonel Robinson. "[Colonel Gibson] is truly a fire and forget kind of person. He sees an issue and he takes care of it. He knows what he needs to do and goes and gets it done."

Colonel Gibson, outgoing 428th FS commander, shared the pride that he had for the squadron in the four years that he was at the helm.

"All eyes have been on you," he said. "Through hard work, personal sacrifice and a tremendous amount of teamwork, you have not only succeeded but have solidified the excellence of Peace Carvin V in the eyes of both nations."

Colonel Quintini shared his thoughts on being named the newest commander of the Buccaneers.

"It is such an important mission and I feel honored," said Colonel Quintini. "I promise you the Buccaneers will continue to uphold the Gunfighter banner with excellence and pride."

He also spoke about the focus of the squadron as it continues to move forward.

"Your tireless effort and professional skill have guaranteed the success of this program," he said. "I'm deeply honored to be captain of the ship."

The colonel said the squadron has travelled far together and has a long road ahead of them as they train Singapore's finest aviators and premier fighter aircraft.

"I pledge my unwavering loyalty to you, your families and to the pursuit of our nations' shared goals. Each and every one of you is my highest priority. Nothing else comes close," he said. "Remember that you are Buccaneers-- proud and deadly, trained and prepared, and charged with a sacred trust to defend your country when called upon."

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428th Fighter Squadron change of command

428th Fighter Squadron change of command

Buccaneers hold first change of command

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