452nd AMXS changes hands Published Dec. 16, 2016 By Master Sgt. Megan Crusher Col. James L. Hartle, commander, 452nd aircraft maintenance squadron, hands the squadron flag to Maj. Richella-Hope R. Gayden, commander, 452nd aircraft maintenance squadron, during a formal change of command ceremony, held in bldg. 1221, of March Air Reserve Base, Dec. 4. The official change of command portion of the ceremony began with the current 452nd AMXS Commander, Lt. Col. Katrine M. Waterman relinquishing her command by giving the flag to Hartle, then Gayden received the flag signifying acceptance of her new role as commander. Gayden's previous position was the operations officer for the 452nd maintenance squadron at March, where she oversaw the maintenance back shop operations, supporting both the C-17 Globemaster III and the KC-135 Stratotanker. She will now lead and guide over 250 Airmen who repair, inspect, and perform maintenance on the C-17 aircraft. Their hard work and dedication ensure the C-17 can perform its airlift mission of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo. It can also perform tactical airlift and transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations.