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Meet the new 54th Airlift Squadron commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Eikren
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Lt. Col. Ian B. Laughrey, 54th Airlift Squadron Commander, assumed command June 12. Laughrey's leadership philosophy is centered on four cornerstones: inspiration, authenticity, empowering others, and leading humbly.

"I will empower our Airmen to seek innovative ways to execute our important VIPSAM [Very Important People Special Air Mission] mission, whether by leveraging technology, revolutionizing how we train, or continually improving our work environment," Laughrey said.

Q: What led you to joining the Air Force?

A: I was surrounded by the love of aviation within my family. My grandfather started flying biplanes at the age of 18 in 1930, he flew C-47 Skytrains over "the Hump" in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II, and retired from commercial aviation in the early 1970's with over 25,000 flying hours. My father's cousins served in the U.S. Air Force and flew F-105s, E-3s, and C-141s. My father also served and flew on the EC-135 Looking Glass. When I was 12 years old, my love for aviation truly began, and I made a personal goal of attending the United States Air Force Academy and becoming a U.S. Air Force pilot.

Q: What is your favorite Air Force memory?

A: After 17 years in the Air Force, it is incredibly difficult to pick just one. My operational experiences in the Air Force have been memorable, fun, and quite diverse. I have flown reconnaissance, tanker, trainer, and VIPSAM aircraft. I have flown into 62 countries, visited over 100 international locations, and worked at the White House. I have great memories tied to each of these missions and aircraft. One of my most memorable experiences in the Air Force occurred in May 2012, when I was chosen as the White House Military Office Operations lead for President Obama's surprise visit to Afghanistan. Our team coordinated more than 40 rotary-wing and fixed-wing missions in the region ensuring the safe and secure movement of President Obama in the combat zone. The President signed the Strategic Partnership Agreement, met with wounded troops, and broadcast a live speech to the nation from Afghanistan.

Q: What do you look to do for the 54th Airlift Squadron Airmen?

A: The Airmen of the 54th Airlift Squadron can expect a commander who is committed, loyal, and leads by example every day. Today, our total force association and relationship with the 932nd Operations Group is running at all-time high due to the hard work and intentional relationship building of Airmen in the 73rd and 54th Airlift Squadrons. I will continue to build this outstanding relationship and leverage the total force to execute our mission of providing safe, comfortable, and reliable executive airlift to our nation's leaders.

Q: What do you hope to get from them?

A: The 54th Airlift Squadron will be a diverse, innovative, high performing, professional team constantly striving to improve, and fueled by exceptional Airmen leading and caring for each other.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a commander?

A: As a commander, you have the opportunity to truly affect the flight path of an Airmen's life.

Q: What is your leadership philosophy or advice?

A: My leadership philosophy centers around four cornerstones: inspiration, authenticity, empowering others, and leading humbly. First, leaders should inspire excellence. I will strive to create an environment where all Airmen are motivated to give their absolute best each day by taking care of the mission and each other. Next, leaders need to be authentic. Actions reflect our authenticity. I hope each interaction I have with our Airmen reflects how much I truly care for and value our Airmen, their families, and the mission. I will empower our Airmen to seek innovative ways to execute our important VIPSAM mission, whether by leveraging technology, revolutionizing how we train, or continually improving our work environment. Finally, leaders need to remain humble. I am not infallible and I do not have all the answers. I will rely greatly on the expertise, valuable ideas, and professional spirit of our Airmen.

Q: What do you look to accomplish during your command?

A: I genuinely want to lead a legacy mindset within our squadron and total force association. With our Reserve partners in the 932nd Operations Group, we will deliberately develop, train, and evaluate our replacements each day. I will inspire the Airmen of the 54th Airlift Squadron to build our legacy one outstanding VIPSAM airlifter and leader at a time.