Maj. Mafnas assumes command of 74th APS

Col. Jeanne Bisesi, left, 433rd Mission Support Group commander, passing the 74th Aerial Port Squadron guidon to Maj. Valerie A. Mafnas, right, signaling her assumption of command in San Antonio, Texas on April 1, 2023. The 74th Aerial Port Squadron is responsible for the full spectrum of logistics, operations, programs and exercise support for the 433rd Airlift Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Deborah N. Slusher)

Maj. Mafnas assumes command of 74th APS

Published April 3, 2023
By 2nd Lt. Deborah Slusher
433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --

Maj. Valerie A. Mafnas officially assumed command of the 74th Aerial Port Squadron during a ceremony here, April 1.

Col. Jeanne Besesi, 433rd Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony, and said Mafnas brings a depth of experience and leadership within the aerial port field. Besesi stated that her education and civilian experience in accounting brings an additional asset to the squadron.

Mafnas commissioned in the United States Air Force in September 2009. She has served in numerous leadership roles within aerial port. Prior to her assumption of command, she served as Director of Operations and Operations Officer for the 26th APS.

“To the men and the women of the 74th Aerial Port Squadron,” said Mafnas. “I am truly honored and humbled to serve you. I vow to serve you all to the best of my ability.”

The 74th APS, which consists of over 180 Airmen, is responsible for the full spectrum of logistics, operations, programs and exercise support for the 433rd Airlift Wing.