HomeNewsArticle Display

Two 552 ACW squadrons welcome new leaders

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Kinder Blacke
  • 552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AFB, Okla. --  June 30 was a busy day for the 552nd Air Control Wing as they held two official change of command ceremonies and two squadrons welcomed new leaders into their ranks.

552nd Operations Support Squadron

The first ceremony, officiated by Col. George Carpenter, commander, 552nd Operations Group, witnessed the transfer of command between the outgoing 552nd Operations Support Squadron Commander, Lt. Col. Kelly "Kel" Robinson, and the incoming commander, Lt. Col. Alain Poisson.

Colonel Carpenter applauded Colonel Robinson's performance saying, "Kel, you have demonstrated outstanding leadership and drive." Thanks to Colonel Robinson's guidance, Colonel Carpenter said, "the 552 OSS team never failed to meet the challenges presented to them."

Colonel Robinson said it was an honor to command the 552 OSS for the past two years. He addressed the 552 OSS Wizards saying, "You amaze me everyday ... you are the unsung heroes that make America's Wing great."

Colonel Robinson also credited his family saying, "Throughout this huge undertaking, I couldn't have asked for better support from my home team." He and his family will now head to the Marine Corps War College in Quantico, Va.

But before leaving, Colonel Robinson told his two children, "Boys, Dad's on summer vacation in about thirty minutes!"

Taking his place is Colonel Poisson, whose last major assignment was at the Pentagon as the Air Battle Manager Career Field Manager, Directorate of Air Operations, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

Colonel Carpenter is confident that Colonel Poisson, with his rich background of experience, is the best officer for the position. "I am confident that you will help the OSS to achieve even greater heights," Colonel Carpenter said to his new squadron commander.

Colonel Poisson expressed his excitement to work with the Airmen of the 552 OSS in the upcoming years. He addressed the men and women of the squadron saying, "your contributions to the wing are widely known ... you are dedicated to supporting our brothers and sisters on the line."

Colonel Robinson left his successor with parting words, "Strap in! You're in for the ride of your life and you're joining a great team."

552nd Air Control Networks Squadron

The Oklahoma heat set in as the 552nd Air Control Networks Squadron welcomed their new leader during the second 552nd Air Control Wing change of command on June 30.

The 552nd Air Control Group Commander, Col. Scott Fischer, who presided over the ceremony, lauded the outgoing 552 ACNS commander, Lt. Col. Arthur Moore III, saying "he's done an incredible job."

Colonel Fischer called Colonel Moore the "quintessential commander," since he had acted as a role model for his Airmen, encouraging their ingenuity and creativity, urging them to reach out to the community, and mentoring them every step of the way.

"He demands the best for them, and from them," Colonel Fischer said.

"It's difficult to leave," Colonel Moore said to the "mighty 552 ACNS family." The "tremendously talented squadron" is the first air control networks squadron in the US Air Force and Colonel Moore helped stand it up.

"Their mission changes almost daily," said Colonel Fischer, "and they continually push the, now ancient computer systems on the jets beyond their limits. They have established AWACS operations on every corner of the world. They listen to the warfighters' requirements, work with the systems and write codes that make it happen."

"Wired up, fired up!" is the 552 ACNS battle cry, and according to Colonel Moore, the new 552 ACNS Commander, Maj. John Jurgensen Jr., is inheriting a squadron that is just that, "fired up!"

As Colonel Moore heads to McDill AFB to serve as a Joint Staff Officer for CENTCOM, Major Jurgensen accepts command of the squadron after previously serving as a flight commander for the Presidential Information Systems, White House Communications Agency in Washington, D.C. He brings with him his wife and two young daughters along with a wealth of experience and an impressive background.

This is Major Jurgensen's third assignment in the command and control realm of the Air Force and he is anxious to take command of the "clearly high performance squadron."

Major Jurgensen, who has been selected for promotion to lieutenant colonel later this year, is confident that he will lead the squadron to continued excellence. He assured his leadership saying, "I will not let you down."

Colonel Fischer warned Major Jurgensen, "You'll be real busy starting tomorrow!" But put his worries to rest saying, "You're blessed with a great team."