Scruton assumes command of 336th ARS

  • Published
  • By Staff Sergeant Kevin Mitterholzer
  • 452 AMW Public Affairs
March Air Reserve Base, Calif. --  

Lt. Col. Christopher R. Scruton assumed command of the 336th Air Refueling Squadron at the Cultural Resource Center, here at March Air Reserve Base, April 28.

Col. Melissa A. Coburn, 452nd Operations Group commander, presided over the assumption of command ceremony.

“If you want to do something good for yourself, you should hire people who are smarter than you,” said Coburn. “I’ve managed to do that today because I’ve hired a rocket scientist.”

After leaving the military for almost seven years to work as a civilian engineer, Lt. Col. Scruton decided to rejoin the Air Force because he missed flying and the camaraderie.

“My perfect day as a civilian, wasn’t really practical,” said Scruton. “It took me several years to realize that everything I wanted to accomplish in one day, it was fine to accomplish them in one week, or even a month.”

Lt. Col. Scruton will be responsible for commanding a squadron that oversees conventional and nuclear-based training and combat operations of over 75 pilots, boom operators, and support personnel, and directs utilization of 12 KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft.

“One thing that I can promise you is that if you come to me with an honest family issue, within reason of course, you will receive my full support,” said Scruton. “I have found that in my experience, that folks that are happy at home and have the support of their leadership, are more focused, efficient, and results-oriented. That makes my job and everyone else’s job easier.”

Lt. Col Scruton summarized his speech with three tips for having a good work-life balance: accept what’s important to you, value family as much as work, and do your part to make the world a better place in any way you can.

“Without sounding disrespectful to my family, my final thanks is to my co-workers,” said Scruton. “My family got me to this position, but it’s because of you guys that I accepted this position. You are my brothers and sisters, along with the folks from the 912th, and I really appreciate your support today and in the future.”