Lt. Col. Tom McElhinney assumed command of the 43rd Flying Training Squadron, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi during ceremonies conducted April 27.
A command pilot with more than 5,800 flying hours in the T-34, T-38A/B/C, F-16C/D, B737, B757, B767, McElhinney is responsible for all aspects of the squadron including flying training, hiring, budget planning, and execution. He oversees the execution of a $3.6 million budget, more than 3,200 man-days and 14,000-plus participation periods. He ensures the effective integration and utilization of 100 reserve instructor pilots into five regular Air Force host wing squadrons while maintaining T-38C Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals instructor currencies.
McElhinney assumed command from departing former commander Lt. Col. Brent Drown.