LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The 61st Civil Engineer and Logistics Squadron held a change of command ceremony June 16, 2026. The presiding officer, Col. Andrew C. Dermanoski, commander of Space Base Delta 3, passed the command and squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Brian S. Greszler, the incoming 61st CELS commander. As the guidon changed hands, attention turned toward the future.
Greszler assumed command of a squadron whose work often occurs behind the scenes but remains fundamental to every mission executed on the base. For Lt. Col. Sean Granier, the outgoing 61st CELS commander, the ceremony closed a chapter defined by two years of steadfast leadership over one of the installation's most critical organizations.
With the responsibility of maintaining the infrastructure and the logistical backbone that enable mission success, the squadron plays an indispensable role in supporting Los Angeles Air Force Base. From maintaining critical infrastructure and managing emergency response capabilities, to overseeing transportation, housing, supply and environmental programs, the 61st CELS lays the foundation for daily operations on the installation.
"The team works tirelessly to execute what no one else can," said Dermanoski. "Some of the work may seem trivial, but it's what makes this a place where people want to come to work."
During the ceremony, Dermanoski presented Granier with the Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional leadership and contributions to the mission. Dermanoski praised Granier's ability to lead beyond the technical demands of his career field and navigate the broader challenges facing the installation.
"At some point you have to master your expertise outside of your domain," said Dermanoski. "Sean is there and demonstrated it, because he is like no other."
For Granier, the ceremony marked the conclusion of his command. Reflecting on his experience, he addressed the audience. "Leading this squadron has been the most rewarding, humbling and profound honor of my career thus far," he said.
Before departing the stage, Granier expressed confidence in the squadron's future and the leader selected to guide it forward. "I hand you the reins with absolute confidence, and I know you will lead the Mighty Griffins to even greater heights," he said to Greszler.
Accepting command, Greszler acknowledged the responsibility that comes with leading a squadron whose mission directly enables installation operations.
"When I look around this room, there is one thing that comes to mind, and that word is legacy," he said. Drawing attention to the rapidly evolving space domain, he underscored the importance of the work performed by the men and women of the 61st CELS every day.
As the newest commander of the 61st CELS, Greszler pledged to build upon the strong foundation established by those who came before him. While leadership changed hands, the mission remained the same. As the 61st Civil Engineer and Logistics Squadron moves forward, so does its proud legacy, with a renewed commitment to support the communities who rely on Los Angeles Air Force Base.