47th OSS Welcomes New Commander

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph McCane, 47th Operations Group commander, left, presents the squadron guidon from Lt. Col. Amanda Thorsen, 47th Operations Support Squadron (OSS) incoming commander, right, during the 47th OSS change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 16, 2026. In a change of command ceremony, the guidon symbolizes the transfer of command, as well as the authority and responsibility associated with it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan)

47th OSS Welcomes New Commander

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Amanda Thorsen, 47th Operations Support Squadron (OSS) incoming commander, renders her first salute to Airmen of the 47th OSS during the change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 16, 2026. The 47th Operations Support Squadron provides mission-critical operational support to the 47th Flying Training Wing, enabling safe and effective pilot training through airfield management, weather forecasting, intelligence, scheduling, and command and control functions in support of daily flying operations at Laughlin Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan)

47th OSS Welcomes New Commander

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph McCane, 47th Operations Group commander, left, receives the squadron guidon from Lt. Col. Daniel Garrison, 47th Operations Support Squadron (OSS) outgoing commander, right, during the 47th OSS change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 16, 2026. In a change of command ceremony, the guidon symbolizes the transfer of command, as well as the authority and responsibility associated with it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan)

47th OSS Welcomes New Commander

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Amanda Thorsen, 47th Operations Support Squadron (OSS) incoming commander, presents a speech at the 47th OSS change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 16, 2026. Prior to assuming command Thorsen was the 47th Flying Training Wing program integration office director, ensuring that every new training tool, curriculum update, or system enhancement actually improves pilot training effectiveness without disrupting flight schedules or student progression. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan)

47th OSS Welcomes New Commander

Lt. Col. Daniel Garrison, 47th Operations Support Squadron (OSS) outgoing commander, renders his final salute to Airmen of the 47th OSS during the change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 16, 2026. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan)

47th OSS Welcomes New Commander

Published Jan. 21, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Harrison Sullivan
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Airmen from the 47th Operations Support Squadron gathered to witness a transition of leadership during a change of command ceremony Jan. 16, as Lt. Col. Daniel Garrison relinquished command to Lt. Col. Amanda Thorsen.

Col. Joseph McCane, 47th Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremony and commended both leaders for their service and contributions to the mission.

During his command, Garrison led the 47th OSS through a period of sustained operational tempo in support of undergraduate pilot training, overseeing critical functions including airfield operations, aircrew flight equipment, current operations, weather, aviation resource management and physiology.

During his tenure, Garrison led 174 Airmen across 12 career fields, oversaw multimillion-dollar budgets and construction projects, implemented first-of-its-kind operational frameworks, and sustained high-tempo, high-visibility missions that earned multiple Air Force, major command, and wing-level awards.

“The 47th OSS, in its current form, carries that legacy through airfield operations, aircrew flight equipment, current operations, weather, aviation resource management and physiology, and you have excelled across every one of those disciplines,” said Garrison. “Today, Rattlers are deployed around the world executing the mission refined here at the edge of America. Each month, we send Airmen into a new future—shaped by the improvements and changes you have forged here at Laughlin—for the benefit of the entire Air Force.”

Thorsen assumes command of the 47th OSS, inheriting a squadron positioned to continue delivering reliable, integrated support to the 47th Flying Training Wing mission.

“My commitment to you is simple: I will listen, I will advocate for you, and I will work every day to earn the privilege of leading this team,” said Thorsen. “We will take smart risks, push when it matters, and never lose sight of the mission—no risk, full push, but always with purpose. I chose this responsibility fully aware of its weight, and I am proud to choose it.”

The 47th Operations Support Squadron provides mission-critical operational support to the 47th Flying Training Wing, enabling safe and effective pilot training through airfield management, weather forecasting, intelligence, scheduling, and command and control functions in support of daily flying operations at Laughlin Air Force Base.