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965 AACS Welcomes New Commander

  • Published
  • By 1Lt Kinder Blacke
  • 552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs
Tinker AFB, Okla. --  Lieutenant Col. Andreas Forstner, commander, 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron, relinquished his command of the Golden Falcons to Lieutenant Col. Jimmy Warren, formerly the director of operations for the 552nd Operations Support Squadron, in a ceremony March 23. 

The change of command was presided over by Col. Patricia Hoffman, commander, 552nd Air Control Wing, who applauded Colonel Forstner for his "absolutely superb job" as squadron commander, "the best, yet toughest job in the Air Force." 

"It's amazing how quickly two years go by... time flies when you're having fun," said Colonel Forstner, who led the squadron through two deployment rotations to Southwest Asia. 

After many thanks and expressing his heartfelt appreciation to his wife, Colonel Forstner left the squadron with his three B's: "Be thorough. Be safe. Be lethal." 

Now, Colonel Warren is excited to take on the challenge of leading the Golden Falcons. "I am very proud and honored to have this opportunity," he said. 

As the commander of the 965 AACS, Colonel Warren will be responsible for the operations to execute national policy as directed by the National Command Authority through rapid world-wide employment of the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System. He will directly supervise 340 United States and Canadian Forces and the operations of six E-3s valued at over $1.98 billion. 

When asked about his goals for the squadron, Colonel Warren replied, "to provide lethal, tactical command and control in support of our Nation's interests," and "to be ready as a squadron to do that at all times by having our personal, physical, and mobility requirements always in order." 

"I want us to be better prepared for the next conflict every day," Colonel Warren said. "I expect my Airmen to work to get better at their primary crew position or job daily to prepare for the next deployment or tasking." 

Although Colonel Warren admitted to being a little nervous, Colonel Hoffman has faith in his abilities. "He is a combat-proven leader and notorious for being the 'go-to' officer in his unit," she said. "I know he will do a good job."