Special Tactics Officer passes after battle with cancer

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachel Williams
  • 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Capt. Andrew Jon "AJ" Ciechomski, 27, a Special Tactics officer with the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, died after a battle with cancer at home with his family in St. Clairesville, Ohio, Wednesday. 

Ciechomski graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. After two years with the 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group, Hurlburt Field, Florida, he entered the two-year rigorous training program to become a Special Tactics officer. Upon completion of the pipeline, he was assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Army Airfield, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

"This is a tough loss within the Special Tactics community," said U.S. Air Force Col. Matt Allen, commander of the 24th Special Operations Wing. "AJ's faith, sense of humor, courage, and love of others were at the center of who he was. We will keep his family and those who were close to AJ in our thoughts and prayers."

Ciechomski was a military static-line jumper, free fall jumper, an Air Force combat scuba diver and specially trained in demolitions and airfield management. 

As a STO, Ciechomski was uniquely skilled in commanding and controlling operations, integrating air and ground capabilities to achieve battlefield objectives. He led Special Tactics Teams in preparation for worldwide contingency operations both in hostile and austere environments, ranging from counterterrorism missions to global humanitarian assistance programs. 

During his time in service, Ciechomski was awarded an Air Force Commendation Medal. 

Please direct any media queries to the 24th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs at 850-884-3902/8336, or at alejandra.fontalvo.1@us.af.mil