Passing the Torch- 312th TRS Change of Command

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Evelyn J. D'Errico
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

 The 312th Training Squadron held a change of command ceremony at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy at Goodfellow Air Force Base on June 12.

 

The 312th TRS welcomed the incoming commander, Lt. Col. Benjamin Shearer, and thanked Lt. Col. Branden DeLong for his hard work and dedication over the last two years.

 

As the 312th TRS commander, Shearer is now responsible for training, developing, and inspiring warriors to deliver fire emergency services and nuclear treaty monitoring for the Department of Defense and our international partners.

 

“It has been an absolute honor to serve as your commander,” said DeLong. “Keep the fire burning and keep the phenomenology alive. Nova 16 out.”

 

Before joining the 312th TRS, Shearer was the 509th Civil Engineering Squadron operations flight commander, where he commanded the management of contracts in support of B-2, A-10, T-38, MQ-09, and UH-60 aircraft.

 

“I'm excited to join and lead this team and get to work in support of this unit and our mission within the world’s greatest Air Force,” said Shearer.


 

U.S. service members assigned to the 312th Training Squadron present a final salute to Lt. Col. Brandon DeLong, outgoing 312th TRS commander, at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 12, 2025. The salute represents the squadron saying farewell to their previous commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

Passing the Torch - 312th TRS Change of Command

U.S. service members assigned to the 312th Training Squadron present a final salute to Lt. Col. Brandon DeLong, outgoing 312th TRS commander, at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 12, 2025. The salute represents the squadron saying farewell to their previous commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)
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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brandon DeLong, outgoing 312th Training Squadron commander, passes the guidon to Col. Jason Gerber, 17th Training Group commander, relinquishing command during the change of command ceremony at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 12, 2025. Passing the guidon represents the transfer of leadership responsibilities to the next commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

Passing the Torch - 312th TRS Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brandon DeLong, outgoing 312th Training Squadron commander, passes the guidon to Col. Jason Gerber, 17th Training Group commander, relinquishing command during the change of command ceremony at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 12, 2025. Passing the guidon represents the transfer of leadership responsibilities to the next commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)
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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Shearer, 312th Training Squadron new commander, stands at attention during the change of command ceremony at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 12, 2025. Before joining the 312th TRS, Shearer was the 509th Civil Engineering Squadron operations flight commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)

Passing the Torch - 312th TRS Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Shearer, 312th Training Squadron new commander, stands at attention during the change of command ceremony at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 12, 2025. Before joining the 312th TRS, Shearer was the 509th Civil Engineering Squadron operations flight commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Evelyn J. D’Errico)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res