by Hannah Allen
Since its inception in 1907, the Air Force has prided itself on the core values of integrity, service, and excellence. Major Rebecca L. Hess, former Captain of the 36th Civil Engineer Squadron, is the very model of these same values.
On Monday, June 17, Major Hess was recognized for her contributions to the Air Force in a “Change of Command” ceremony which occurred at the Naval Construction Battalion Center (Seabee Base) in Gulfport.
This ceremony served as an official transference of authority over the 366th Training Squadron Detachment 6. The 6th Detachment, which was headed by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Diciolla, provides “apprenticeship training to over 400 Airmen and advanced training to 300 Airmen in the Civil Engineer Structures career field.”
Lieutenant Colonel Diciolla, proudly dedicated years to the group and worked to graduate over 3000 tri-service engineers. At the ceremony, he wished his successor, Major Hess, the best of luck with the squadron and encouraged the students to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge that is available to them.
Following his speech, Lt. Colonel Diciolla followed the military tradition of transferring a United States Flag to Major Hess, signaling his relinquishing of command over the squadron.
A self-proclaimed “Jack of All Trades,” Major Hess hopes to motivate and educate the impressionable students that are under her command.
When asked about the future of her squadron, she states that she is most looking forward to “seeing what [the Airmen] become, and see how they are going to mold our Air Force.”
