New leaders take over Red Tail fighter and support squadrons

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Jared Rand
  • 187th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The 100th Fighter Squadron and the 187th Operations Support Squadron Red Tails received new leaders during a change of command ceremony May 2, 2020, here. 

Lt. Col. Marcus Landrum assumed command of the 100 FS and Lt. Col. Jay Spohn assumed command of the 187 OSS in the unconventional ceremony.

Family, friends, and coworkers could not physically attend due to base restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the ceremony was live-streamed to the virtual audience.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity,” Landrum said. “I will try to continue to follow the past commanders’ examples; take care of each other and family, and the mission will take care of itself.” 

As commander of the Red Tail fighter squadron, Landrum is responsible for overseeing the squadron’s pilots and 22 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Together with the Operations Support Squadron, Red Tail personnel maintain constant readiness for rapid worldwide combat deployment.

“I couldn’t be more excited to lead an organization than I am for our 187 OSS,” Spohn said. “I’m going to do everything I can to keep us on top of our game and make us even better.” 

In past assignments, Spohn has experience flying a variety of aircraft. He was the first Air National Guard pilot to fly the Air Force’s newest fighter jet, the F-35A Lightning II. 

The two commanders will lead their squadrons during a period of transition. The Red Tails are one of the next two Air National Guard wings to receive the F-35A, and the new aircraft are expected to arrive beginning in 2023.