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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Foster, center, outgoing commander of the 36th Fighter Squadron, relinquishes command of the 36th FS to Col. Kurt Distelzweig, left, 51st Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 18, 2026. A change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that formally recognizes the transfer of authority, responsibility, and accountability from one commander to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Mun)

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Foster, outgoing commander of the 36th Fighter Squadron, renders his final salute to members of the 36th FS during a change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 18, 2026. The final salute recognizes the outgoing commander's service and marks the conclusion of their leadership of the squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Mun)

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260618-F-DG879-1024

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Foster, outgoing commander of the 36th Fighter Squadron, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 18, 2026. The ceremony marked the conclusion of Foster’s time as commander of the 36th FS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Mun)

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260618-F-DG879-1069

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kirk Smith, center, incoming commander of the 36th Fighter Squadron, accepts command of the 36th FS from Col. Kurt Distelzweig, left, 51st Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 18, 2026. A change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that formally recognizes the transfer of authority, responsibility, and accountability from one commander to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Mun)

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260618-F-DG879-1089

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kirk Smith, incoming commander of the 36th Fighter Squadron, receives his first salute from 36th FS Airmen during a change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 18, 2026. As Airmen render the first salute, they formally acknowledge the incoming commander and the responsibilities entrusted to them. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Mun)

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260618-F-DG879-1086

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kirk Smith, incoming commander of the 36th Fighter Squadron, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 18, 2026. A change of command ceremony underscores the trust and responsibility entrusted to commanders and reaffirms the 36th FS’s dedication to accomplishing its mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessica Mun)

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36th Fighter Squadron welcomes new commander

Published June 23, 2026
By Senior Airman Jessica Mun
51st Fighter Wing

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

The 36th Fighter Squadron welcomed Lt. Col. Kirk Smith as their new commander during the change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 18, 2026. A change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition that formally recognizes the transfer of authority, responsibility, and accountability from one commander to another.

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