New commander takes helm of Civil Engineer Squadron Published Jan. 11, 2016 By Staff Sgt. Rachel Kocin 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Maj. Patrick Shields assumed command of the 910th Civil Engineer Squadron during a ceremony here, Jan. 9, 2016 from Lt. Col. David Phillips. Col. Kevin Riley, 910th Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony. “It’s really wonderful when you have a change of command and it’s so seamless that nothing really seems to skip a beat,” said Riley. Shields is no newcomer to YARS, he has held a couple different positions with the CE squadron, as operations flight chief and as acting commander. During the event, Shields talked about being honored and humbled to take command of the squadron. “To the men and women of the CE squadron, I want to emphasize my personal commitment to you, to lead the squadron and help us consistently maintain excellence,” said Shields. Phillips, who retired from the Air Force after 31 years of service, talked about the time he spent with the 910th. “This is pretty touching and moving, standing in front of the greatest airmen and troops I’ve been with and commanded, went to the desert with, and I just want to say thank you for everything,” said Phillips. “I couldn’t have done this job without you,” said Phillips. The change of command ceremony, during which the previous and incoming commander exchange a unit flag, is deeply rooted in history and tradition. The flag exchange dates back to the time of Frederick the Great of Prussia when military organizations developed unique flags. When soldiers followed their leaders into battle, if the flag still waved after the conflict, it was a sign of victory. Having this position of great importance, the flag was incorporated into ancient assumption of command ceremonies. The ceremony remains symbolic today.