48th Aerial Port Squadron Assumption of Command

U.S. Air Force Col. Kenneth Lute, 624th Regional Support Group commander, gives Maj. Kenneth Ruggles Jr. command of the 48th Aerial Port Squadron during an assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 7, 2018. The 48th APS, which is part of the 624th RSG, deploys qualified personnel to provide air terminal operations worldwide in support of contingency operations, exercises, unit moves, and foreign humanitarian relief or disaster operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Jerry R. Bynum)

48th Aerial Port Squadron Assumption of Command

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Steven Martin, 48th Aerial Port Squadron first sergeant, Col. Kenneth Lute, 624th Regional Support Group commander, and Maj. Kenneth Ruggles Jr. stand at attention for the national anthem during the 48th Aerial Port Squadron’s assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 7, 2018, where Ruggles will become the new squadron commander. The 48th APS, which is part of the 624th RSG, deploys qualified personnel to provide air terminal operations worldwide in support of contingency operations, exercises, unit moves, and foreign humanitarian relief or disaster operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Jerry R. Bynum)

48th Aerial Port Squadron Assumption of Command

The family of U.S. Air Force Maj. Kenneth Ruggles Jr., which include his wife, Michelle Ruggles, and children, Kadyn and Davenon, attend his assumption of command for the 48th Aerial Port Squadron during a ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 7, 2018. The 48th APS, which is part of the 624th Regional Support Group, deploys qualified personnel to provide air terminal operations worldwide in support of contingency operations, exercises, unit moves, and foreign humanitarian relief or disaster operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Jerry R. Bynum)

48th Aerial Port Squadron Assumption of Command

U.S. Air Force Col. Kenneth Lute, 624th Regional Support Group commander, addresses Maj. Kenneth Ruggles Jr. during the 48th Aerial Port Squadron assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 7, 2018, where Ruggles will become the squadron commander. The 48th APS, which is part of the 624th RSG, deploys qualified personnel to provide air terminal operations worldwide in support of contingency operations, exercises, unit moves, and foreign humanitarian relief or disaster operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Jerry R. Bynum)

48th Aerial Port Squadron Assumption of Command

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kenneth Ruggles Jr. addresses guest and members of the 48th Aerial Port Squadron during an assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 7, 2018, where Ruggles became the 48th APS commander. The 48th APS, which is part of the 624th Regional Support Group, deploys qualified personnel to provide air terminal operations worldwide in support of contingency operations, exercises, unit moves, and foreign humanitarian relief or disaster operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Jerry R. Bynum)

48th Aerial Port Squadron Assumption of Command

U.S. Air Force Reserve members from the 48th Aerial Port Squadron present Maj. Kenneth Ruggles Jr. with his first salute as the 48th APS commander during an assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 7, 2018. The 48th APS, which is part of the 624th Regional Support Group, deploys qualified personnel to provide air terminal operations worldwide in support of contingency operations, exercises, unit moves, and foreign humanitarian relief or disaster operations. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Jerry R. Bynum)

Hawaii ‘Port Dawgs’ welcome new commander

Published April 8, 2018
By Jerry Bynum
624th Regional Support Group

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --

Members of the Air Force Reserve’s 48th Aerial Port Squadron here welcomed a new commander during an assumption of command ceremony April 7.

Maj. Kenneth Ruggles Jr., who has more than 25 years of Air Force experience, took command of the 48th APS.

“It’s my vision to continue to provide sustained expeditionary support of aerial port operations globally, and to make certain we’re all well trained and ready,” said Ruggles.

Col. Kenneth Lute, 624th Regional Support Group commander, congratulated the squadron on their continued contributions to the Air Force Reserve mission and provided words of support during the ceremony.

“The 48th continues the outstanding tradition of being ‘Pacific Warriors’ providing global agile combat support,” said Lute. “I have confidence that Maj. Ruggles will continue that tradition through effective leadership, and will lead by example.”

Ruggles has served with the 48th APS since 2008. He was previously the operations officer where he built professional relationships, provided mentorship, and leveraged his experience to help the 48th APS succeed.

“Maj. Ruggles is an excellent role model, mentor and leader,” said Chief Master Sgt. George Silva III, 48th APS operations superintendent. “He brings a wide-range of experience and is well-rounded, knowledgeable and fair, both professionally and personally.”

When not in a Reserve status, Ruggles works at U.S. Pacific Command in the Programming and Capabilities Branch as a civilian.

“My experience both as a military member and as a civilian has led me to this point,” said Ruggles. “I feel honored to lead these outstanding Reserve Citizen Airmen. I’m looking forward to motivating and providing support to our team as we continue to accomplish our goals.”

The 48th APS, which is part of the 624th RSG, deploys qualified personnel to provide air terminal operations worldwide in support of contingency operations, exercises, unit moves, and foreign humanitarian relief or disaster operations.