Col. Keven Coyle takes command of the 552nd Air Control Wing

  • Published
  • By Kimberly Woodruff 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

In the 552nd Air Control Wing’s change of command ceremony held at Tinker Air Force Base June 30, Col. Keven Coyle succeeded Col. Alain Poisson as commander of the 552 ACW. Maj. Gen. Chad P. Franks, 15th Air Force commander, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. was the presiding officer for the ceremony.

Coyle is no stranger to the 552 ACW as he has served as the vice commander for the past three years. Prior to serving as the vice commander, he was stationed at Tinker AFB on three other occasions as the resource advisor for the 960th Airborne Air Control squadron, the director of operations with the 552nd Operations Support squadron, then as the commander of the 960th AACS.

In his remarks, the general offered some words of advice for the new commander.

“As you lead this incredible wing of warriors you owe them two things, discipline and purpose,” said Franks. “It takes all Airmen to ensure we accomplish the mission and protect our Nation. Congratulations on taking command.”

Following the exchange of the command guidon, Coyle thanked Franks and Poisson before addressing his command for the first time.

“To the Mustangs, Griffins, Eagles, Hardrockers, Sabers, Angry Warriors, Scorpions, Phoenix, Golden Eagles, Canadians, Wizards, Vikings, Blue Knights, Bulldogs, Cougars, Maintenance Eagles, and Panthers who are deployed, here we go the checklist is complete,” said Coyle. “It’s time for us to jump on board and get after things. Your positive attitudes and dedication have truly exemplified our wings plan to train hard, rapidly deploy forward and win in the face of adversaries who want us to lose at all costs — in all things. You have done well, and will continue to do well. Our path forward is not an easy path, but we’re going to do it… I’m humbled to stand with all of you as we get ready to go. Engines are running in standard fashion. Crew, we are on station…time, 0946. Let’s get after it. Roll!”

In thanking Poisson for his service to the Air Force and the nation, Franks noted the colonel’s accomplishments.

“Under Col Poisson’s leadership, the men and women of the 552d Air Control Wing have strengthened readiness and quality of life across two weapons systems, growing from 356 to 823 E-3G crew-ready members in only 7 months, while also improving deploy-to-dwell rates for Control and Reporting Center Airman so they spend more time at home,” said Franks. “The wing is poised to enable a more dynamic and agile response force posture, further supporting the Fifteenth Air Force priorities of delivering ready forces for combat operations, developing resilient Airmen and families, and empowering our Airmen to be resourceful.”   

Poisson in his farewell address thanked the men and women of the 552nd ACW for their dedication and professionalism.

Poisson laid out the great team that Coyle would be inheriting and told him how proud he was that he was taking the reigns and he is proud of the 4,500 of the best Airmen in the Air Force.

“It’s no secret that we’ve worked hard to seed this command teaming philosophy throughout our wing,” Poisson said. “Our group commanders and chiefs get it. I’ve appreciated their sage advice, their friendship and of course the teamwork as we’ve approached Wing problems with a view of what was best for the larger team and not what was best for each individual group. It’s amazing what you can get done taking this approach and we’ve certainly done a lot.

“It’s been my honor and the highlight of my career to serve as your wing commander,” said Poisson. “I can imagine no more rewarding a career, then what Karen and I have experienced these past 28 years. If asked in future years, what we did to make our life worthwhile, I think I will respond with a great deal of pride and satisfaction, I served in the 552!”