JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Maj. Valerie A. Mafnas officially assumed command of the 74th Aerial Port Squadron during a ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland April 1.
Col. Jeanne Besesi, 433rd Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony and said Mafnas brings a depth of experience and leadership within the aerial port field. Besesi stated that her education and civilian experience in accounting bring an additional asset to the squadron.
Mafnas was commissioned in the United States Air Force in September 2009. She has served in numerous leadership roles within aerial port operations. Prior to her assumption of command, she served as Director of Operations and Operations Officer for the 26th APS.
“To the men and the women of the 74th Aerial Port Squadron, I am truly honored and humbled to serve you. I vow to serve you all to the best of my ability," Mafnas said.
The 74th APS, which consists of over 180 Airmen, is responsible for the full spectrum of logistics, operations, programs and exercise support for the 433rd Airlift Wing and deploys trained personnel and equipment during wartime to support combat operations by performing aerial port and aerial delivery operations within high-threat areas at forward operating bases under field conditions. The peacetime mission is support for tactical airlift and aircrew proficiency airdrop training.