NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE Fort Worth, Texas -- Maj. Ryan "Rojo" Busbey was welcomed as the new 24th Fighter Squadron during an assumption of command ceremony on June 26, 2020 at U.S. Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. The 24 FS is an active associate of 301st Fighter Wing. The ceremony's attendance was limited due to social distancing and CDC health precautions but was streamed live and recorded on video.
Col. Joshua Padgett, 301st Fighter Wing Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony.
“You’re a native Texan. You’re back home, about to be a squadron commander in your home state," Padgett said to Busbey. "We have absolute confidence in your ability to handle any challenge, and I have no doubt that your calm and even-keeled approach will continue to serve you well as a squadron commander. You are a perfect fit for our unit culture here. 'Rojo,' this is not a dream. You have reached a pinnacle, this is quite an achievement.”
Busbey is now responsible for leading a team of 190 Active Duty Airmen consisting of F-16 pilots, maintainers, medical, communications, and administrative support personnel in one of the most successful Total Force integrated units in Air Combat Command. He is responsible for ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and combat readiness of all his Airmen.
After assuming command, Busbey said, “To the professional men and women of the 24 FS (watching virtually), I join your team amidst some great world challenges. Not only to we face nefarious advisories waiting for an opportunity to expand their influence across the world, we do that in the face of a pandemic and racial disparity. I admit that I won’t have the answers to all those challenges and ask for patience as we execute, research and maintain open dialoged to develop the correct and just path for the men and women of the 24 FS."
Prior to his current position, Busbey served as the director of operations for the 52d Operations Support Squadron, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.