For the 55th time in the history of the Air Force, command of the 4th Airlift Squadron (AS) at McChord Field has been passed.

Standing on the port side of a C-17, Lt. Col. Jessica Regni passed the squadron's guidon and campaign ribbons to Lt. Col. Sean Burke in a change of command ceremony in Hangar 9, last Friday morning.

"This is a big day," remarked Col. Mark Fuhrmann, commander, 62nd Operations Group. "Lt. Col. Regni has led this squadron to a level that is unequaled, and Lt. Col. Burke is a combat warrior who will continue to write this squadron's history."

He will be adding to a hallowed and long history.

Since its inception in 1935, the 4th AS has participated in virtually every important American air operation. From World War II and Korea to Panama, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, the squadron has grown to become the future of combat proven global airlift capability.

In her final and brief comments as commander, Regni took the time to recognize and thank a number of individuals who had made "the 4th Airlift Squadron a special place" for her.

"She is genuine; she puts the needs of the airmen who serve and the needs of the mission ahead of everything else," said Col. Mark Fuhrmann, commander, 62nd Operations Group, moments before Regni turned command over to Burke.

Adding to the historical significance of the ceremony were Mack and Tunner, two miniature donkeys who serve as the squadron's mascots and are representative of the unit's insignia.

Moments after the hand-off of command, Regni and Burke stepped off the stage on the hangar floor to greet the mascots.

Squadron lore has it that the person holding the reins of the donkeys holds command of the squadron.

In a gesture of tradition and good luck, Regni took the reins and handed them to Burke.

"We will fly, fight and live proud," said Burke, during his brief remarks before receiving his first salute from the "Fightin' Fourth."