HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – A change of command ceremony was held for the 66th Security Forces Squadron here June 27.
Maj. Benjamin Doerfler assumed command of the 66 SFS “Blue Knights” from Maj. Brandon Casso. Casso had been in the role since early 2022.
Col. Taona Enriquez, 66th Air Base Group commander, presided over the ceremony.
“Maj. Doerfler has a heart for resiliency and for ensuring that his Airmen have what they need to be successful,” Enriquez said. “And that is going to pay huge dividends as you take care of our defenders.”
Doerfler’s previous role was the operations officer for the 72nd Security Forces Squadron at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma.
“This has been the best welcome that I have ever received to any installation, and Maj. Casso has done nothing but sing the praises of all of you,” Doerfler said. “I cannot wait to work with you.”
Enriquez highlighted the accomplishments of Casso, noting that under his leadership, the squadron used creativity and innovation to execute projects with limited funding, reduced shifts from 12 to eight hours and opened the installation to the public for the first time in 20 years during the tree lighting ceremony in December 2023.
“You have made this a team of ‘yes, we can,’” Enriquez said.
Casso expressed gratitude to his team for working through challenges, including the pandemic, deployments and gaps in manning.
As SFS commander, he was responsible for leading a team of defenders and civilian police officers. He was awarded a meritorious service medal for his efforts.
“You are the best security forces squadron in the Air Force,” Casso said. “You continue to prove it every day. Your ability to press on and get the mission done and be successful is something that every one of you does.”