33rd Flying Training Squadron under new leadership

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Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Lt. Col. Steve Fournier takes command of the 33rd Flying Training Squadron from Navy CDR Scott Horadan in a change of command ceremony at 10 a.m. today in Hangar 170.
Colonel Fournier was formerly the 33rd FTS director of operations.
"I have two quotes that reflect my leadership style and my focus for my squadron," Colonel Fournier said. "Gen. George S. Patton's: 'Don't tell people not to do things, tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity,' and 'If I do my full duty, the rest will take care of itself.'
"I want my Airmen to be proud of their squadron and show it by letting everyone know that 'Dragons Rule,'" the new commander said. "AETC is the 'Command of Choice,' and I would like my Airmen to feel like the 33rd is the 'Squadron of Choice.'"
A Detroit native, Colonel Fournier was commissioned after graduation from the Air Force Academy in 1988. He completed undergraduate pilot training in 1989 at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., and remained there as a T-38 first assignment instructor pilot for three years.
Colonel Fournier attended Squadron Officer School in residence and flew as a C-130 aircraft commander at Dyess AFB, Texas, followed by pilot instructor training IP duties in the T-37 at Randolph AFB, Texas. He was reassigned to Hawaii to perform staff duties at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces and was selected to attend Air Command and Staff College in residence. After graduating from ACSC, he returned to flying as an instructor in the T-37/T-6 at Vance.
Colonel Fournier is a command pilot with 2,700 total flight hours in the T-38,
C-130, T-37 and T-6. His major decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and Aerial Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
Commander Horadan now goes on to become the air department officer aboard the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier.
"I would like to thank all the members of the Dragon Family, the 71st Operations Group and Team Vance for making the last three years such a great time for me and my family," Commander Horadan said.
(71st FTW Public Affairs)