SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 25th Attack Group, headquartered at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, conducted a change of command ceremony where Col. Trevor Merrell relinquished command to Col. Landon Quan on May 29, 2025.
The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors followed by remarks from the 432nd Wing commander, Col. Nicholas Pederson and then the presentation of Legion of Merit to Merrell.
“It's rare that a wing commander should hand over a group from one officer to another when he considers both to be very close, personal friends,” said Pederson. “I've known both Colonel Merrell and Colonel Quan since we were all Captains together back at Creech and they are both exceptional officers.”
Merrell took command of the 25th ATKG in May 2023. During his tenure, the group flew 2,676 sorties, resulting in 45,163 hours flown and over 28 strikes, including the first counter-unmanned aerial system AGM-114 Hellfire shot in theatre. He actualized the satellite launch and recovery evolution and synchronized efforts for the first-ever MQ-9 flying hour program, enabling live-fly continuation training in the continental United States while simultaneously conducting combat operations around the globe.
“To the men and women of the 25th Attack Group, it has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to have served with you in the last two years,” said Merrell. “You are an exceptional group of Airmen, led by an exceptional group of squadron leadership. With Colonel Quan at the helm, I will sleep well at night knowing that you are executing our mission in support of the combatant commands, to deter our nation's enemies, to prepare for combat, should deterrence fail, and to defeat any enemy.”
After the award presentation came the official change of command and passing of the guidon— a long-standing military tradition that allows members of a unit to officially recognize the authority of the incoming commander and honor the service of the outgoing commander.
Following that, Quan addressed the group for the first time. “The 25th Attack Group possesses unique capabilities that are crucial across the board,” Quan said. “I ask for your dedication as we navigate challenges, prioritize our personnel, and further develop both our platform and the individuals who make our mission a success.”
As the new 25th ATKG commander, Quan will lead more than 1,000 personnel within five squadrons, located across three geographically separated installations. The group provides 24/7/265 global MQ-9A operations for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and provides global attack options to four combatant commands in support of national and theater-specific objectives.