963rd AACS welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Kinder L. Blacke
  • 552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs
Lt. Col. John T. Russell, 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron commander, relinquished his command of the Blue Knights to Lt. Col. Robert M. Haines, 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron director of operations, in a ceremony March 7.

The change of command was presided over by Col. Christof P. Cordes, 552nd Operations Group commander, who applauded Colonel Russell on his "successful tour of outstanding dedication to his Airmen," and welcomed Colonel Haines as being "the right commander at the right time."

"Colonel Haines brings a broad and varied Air Force experience to our Group. He is instructor qualified in four different aircraft and has over 3600 flying hours to include over 400 Combat and Combat Support hours," said Colonel Cordes.

Colonel Russell commanded the 963rd Blue Knights since May 2006, directly supervising 330 personnel from United States, Canadian, and Australian Forces and the operations of six E-3 aircraft, valued at over $1.8 billion.

According to Colonel Cordes, he performed brilliantly and his squadron achieved peak performance. "He led them into combat and brought them all home safely," said Colonel Cordes. "He proved that the AWACS needs to be in theater, doing what we are doing everyday."

Colonel Russell humbly attributed his success to the men and women of the 963rd AACS and the outstanding leadership environment in the 552nd Air Control Wing. "A man has never been surrounded by such leadership; it made it impossible to fail," Colonel Russell said.

Colonel Russell's final words to his squadron before passing command to Colonel Haines: "It was a heck of a ride Knights, and the truth is, you taught me and I appreciate it."

Colonel Haines proudly accepted command and acknowledged the "really big shoes" he has to fill. Colonel Haines addressed his new squadron saying, "today your commander may change, but our mission will not. We will continue to seek out and destroy our enemies--that will be our focus each and every day."

The ceremony concluded with the traditional transfer of the Commander's Aircraft and presentation of the Blue Knights' sword, unique to the 963rd AACS.