Assumption of Command

Col. James Macaulay, 442nd Operations Group Commander, passes a guidon to Lt. Col Michael Leonas who assumed command of the 303rd Fighter Squadron Sept. 11, 2016, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The 303rd FS is a component of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve A-10 Thunderbolt II unit. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Denise Hauser)

Assumption of Command

Lt. Col. Michael Leonas, 303rd Fighter Squadron commander, presents flowers to his wife during his assumption of command ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Sept. 11, 2016. Leonas is a command pilot with more than 3,300 hours and more than 200 combat sorties in the A-10. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Denise Hauser)

303rd Fighter Squadron assumes new commander

Published Sept. 11, 2016
By 442nd Public Affairs
442nd Fighter Wing

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Lt. Col. Michael Leonas assumed command of the 303rd Fighter Squadron Sept. 11, 2016, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. The 303rd FS is a component of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve A-10 Thunderbolt II unit. Leonas has deployed numerous times to Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, flying combat missions for Operation Southern Watch and Bagram AB, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Leonas has earned numerous medals and awards for his achievements, including the Afghanistan campaign medal while deployed. He is a command pilot with more the 3,300 hours and more than 200 combat sorties in the A-10. In his civilian occupation, he is an Air Reserve Technician in the 303rd FS.