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Lt. Col. Brant accepts Command of 966th AACS

  • Published
  • By Kenneth LaFayette
  • 72 ABW Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  Lieutenant Col. Daniel E. Brant accepted command of the 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron from Lieutenant Col. Greg A. Kent in an official ceremony May 12.

Col. Gregory D. Roberts, commander, 552nd Operations Group, presided over the ceremony and applauded Colonel Kent, for his "amazing" work as the squadron commander.

"You've done a phenomenal job," said Colonel Roberts, "you were a master of turning challenges into opportunities."

Under Colonel Kent's watch, the 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron trained 1,150 AWACS crewmembers, scheduled over 10,000 individual student training events, administered 1663 flight evaluations and won numerous Air Force, MAJCOM, Numbered Air Force and wing-level awards.

Colonel Kent expressed his gratitude for the chance to command the "best squadron in the United States Air Force," and for the immeasurable sacrifices his family made to support him while doing so.

Colonel Kent said he is honored to have been part of such a great organization. He is now heading to 552nd Air Control Wing headquarters as the Director of Staff.

Taking his place is Colonel Brant, who, according to Colonel Roberts, "brings fresh combat experience to future E-3 crew members."

As 964th Director of Operations, Colonel Brant oversaw the largest combat build-up of E-3 requirements in seven years. "I'm confident in your leadership; the professionals of the 966th will face the challenges head-on and keep the squadron on the path to success. I look forward to seeing you in action," Colonel Roberts said.

After receiving command from Colonel Roberts, Colonel Brant gave thanks to his family, and the many mentors and friends who were all present at the change of command ceremony to support him.

He shared how much he appreciated what Colonel Kent meant to the squadron. "You've done great things during your time as the commander of the 966th, the high caliber of the squadron is a direct reflection of your leadership," he said.

As the commander of the 966 AACS, Colonel Brant inherits Air Combat Command's largest formal training unit and the only formal schoolhouse for E-3s in the Air Force.

"You are responsible for the training and mentorship of every U.S. AWACS crewmember in the world," said Colonel Brant. "You are the best of the best, and I consider it an honor and a privilege to be your commander."