Familiar face assumes command of 507 Operations Support Flight Published July 22, 2013 By Lt. Col. Kim Howerton 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Lieutenant Colonel Michael J. Remualdo assumed command of the 507th Operations Support Flight in a July 13 ceremony presided over by Col. Thomas K. "T.K." Smith, Jr. the 507th Operations Group commander. Remualdo is familiar with the 507th having served as the 465th Air Refueling Squadron as the B Flight commander since February 2009. Col. Smith told Remualdo during the ceremony he believed his leadership and followership skills as well as his supportive family will help him meet the challenges of his new command. The 40-member squadron incorporates traditional operations support functions such as aircrew flight equipment, combat crew communications, operations plans and flight records maintenance. Remualdo is a traditional reservist and instructor pilot with more than 7,500 combined military and commercial flight hours. His 179 combat and combat support sorties include supporting Operation Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Deliberate Force and Unified Protector. In addition to fixed wing aircraft, he has been an HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot, aircraft commander, instructor pilot and evaluator pilot. The new commander thanked his family for "all you have done and will continue to do," supporting his military career. He spoke of his father, a retired chief master sergeant, and the advice he had received from him growing up. He quoted his dad's advice, "You can learn more from a bad coach than a good coach." And he admitted his dad had been right about many things including leadership and learning. Ramualdo reminded the squadron about some of the leaders they have worked for during deployments over the years who had proven his dad right too. Ramualdo praised his predecessor, Lt. Col. Richard Peterson, for his leadership and mentoring as commander. "He did a great job. I appreciate his hard work." He addressed the squadron members directly saying, "you're like family to me and I look forward to working with you." He listed two goals for the squadron members; leave the squadron when they decide it is time and only after they have accomplished their goals. He is a graduate of the Air Force Academy and holds an MBA from the University of New Mexico. He's employed by Delta Airlines based out of Minneapolis, MN.