The U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 379th Space Range Squadron held a change of command ceremony at the Range Space Facility, Colorado Springs, Colorado, on July 9, where Lt. Col. Shakir Khan relinquished command to Lt. Col. Agustin “Rico” Carrero.

As commander, Carrero is responsible for providing a safe and secure range environment for customers to conduct counterspace technique development and space test, training and exercise activities.

“I’m deeply humbled by the opportunity to lead and serve this vast talent that makes up the Space Test and Training Range,” said Carrero. “I firmly believe the most important and sacred responsibility entrusted to an Air Force Officer or Noncommissioned officer is the privilege of leading Airmen.”

“The men and women of the 379th have an outstanding reputation. You have proven time and again that you exceed every expectation, and I look forward to serving with you and meeting the challenges ahead together,” he said.

The 379th SRS is a sister squadron to the Regular Air Force’s 25th Space Range Squadron, which falls under the Nevada Test and Training Range at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The squadrons work together to maintain and operate the Department of Defense’s only STTR, located in Colorado Springs.

The 379th SRS transferred from the 310th Operations Group at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, to the 926th Operations Group, Nellis AFB in 2014, after its mission was realigned under Air Combat Command. It maintains its operations at Schriever AFB.

Over the past two years, the squadron has participated in and prepared Airmen for exercises Austere Challenge, Anakonda and Juniper Cobra in Europe; Global Thunder, Global Lightning, Ardent Sentry and Red Flag in the United States; and Valiant Shield in the Pacific theater. 

“Lieutenant Colonel Carrero’s experience and know-how will be a boon to the people and mission of the 379th,” said Col. Dean Caldwell, 926th Operations Group commander.

“Rico, the men and women of the 379th Space Range Squadron are before you today. Lead them with Integrity, Service and Excellence. Congratulations on your selection to command; my hopes couldn’t be higher for you or the squadron.”  

Carrero entered the Air Force in 1997 after graduating from Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at the University of Puerto Rico. He has served in a variety of staff and key leadership positions in nuclear missile launch, strategic and theater missile warning, weapons and tactics, training and exercises, and command and control operations. He has deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operations NORTHERN WATCH, SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.

Before joining the 379th SRS, Carrero served as the Chief, Space and Cyber Operations Branch, and the Space Functional Area Manager at Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.