552nd ACW welcomes new Commander

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Ashlyn K. Paulson

On June 11, America’s Wing welcomed back one of its own as the new commander.

Col. Alain Poisson, who served as commander of the 552nd Operations Group from 2014-2016, replaced Col. Geoffrey Weiss as the the 552nd Air Control Wing commander during a ceremony here.

Poisson is now responsible for Air Combat Command’s fleet of the E-3 Sentry, Airborne Warning and Control System, aircraft and ground-based Control & Reporting Centers supporting combatant commanders worldwide. He leads over 3,800 men and women at four Air Force bases and manages resources that include 31 E-3 AWACS aircraft and two CRCs valued at $16.1 billion. Poisson also oversees ACC’s largest Programmed Flying Training Unit and its non-aircraft specific functional training. 

“For almost 65 years, our wing has been the bastion of freedom, the cornerstone of our nation’s airpower … defender of the homeland both here and abroad,” Poisson said. “The nation does not go to war without our wing. We are the first in and the last out. This will not change.”

Maj. Gen. Andrew Croft, 12th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony and said Poisson is a true combat-proven leader.

“Colonel Poisson will carry on the 552nd’s legacy and lead America’s Wing forward, providing Airborne Early Warning and Control that allows us to bring the fight to the enemy at a moment’s notice,” he said. “I know Fish and the 552nd will continue to pave the way.”

In his remarks, Croft also recognized the success of America’s Wing under Weiss’ command.

“He led the wing to top readiness and execution ratings in an Air Combat Command inspection, ensuring America’s Wing is our nation’s go-to force for responding to homeland security threats,” said Croft. “As a result of these successes, the 552nd earned the Air Force Meritorious Unit Award in 2018.”

In Weiss’ farewell address, he addressed the wing’s ability to answer the nation’s call.

“Every time our national security priorities required the innovative, professional warriors of America’s wing, you have answered the call. When foreign powers dared test the sovereign boundaries of the United States with their long range aviation, you answered the call. Even now, as foreign powers work to destabilize commerce and navigation in the world’s strategic commons and hold American interests hostage – you have answered the call,” he said.

Weiss is off to join the Joint Staff at the Pentagon.