Col. Homola takes command of 552nd ACG

  • Published
  • By Capt. Brittany S. Carter
  • 752nd Operations Support Squadron
Espousing sincere appreciation for the confidence entrusted in him and thanking a large contingent of family, friends and co-workers on hand, Col. Michael J. Homola officially took command of the 552nd Air Control Group in a traditional change of command ceremony June 25 inside Bldg. 230, Dock 2, at Tinker Air Force Base.

Colonel Homola, who spent the past three years as Chief of the Operational Command and Control Division at the Pentagon, assumed command of the 552nd ACG from Col. Alexander L. Koven.

Colonel Homola will now be responsible for four squadrons with over 1,100 personnel geographically dispersed in three states. He will provide operations, maintenance, logistics, training, modernization and combat support for two Control and Reporting Centers worth $500 million.

What's more, Colonel Homola will provide software and ground communication for the fleet of 31 E-3 "Sentry" Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft worth $10.2 billion.

"The 552nd Air Control Group is truly an organization that is running on all cylinders, which is a direct reflection of the passion and compassion that Alex [Koven] and Meredith [Col. Koven's wife] have shown," said Col. Jay R. Bickley, 552nd Air Control Wing commander, who presided over the ceremony.

"During his time as commander, the 552nd ACG has become more lethal, mobile and connected than ever before and is poised to continue on their upward trajectory well into the future to ensure America is ready to meet all threats and continue to dominate the skies anywhere and anytime," Colonel Bickley added.

Colonel Bickley went on to say Colonel Homola's extensive operational and staff experience make him the absolute right guy to take the reins of the 552nd ACG and lead them into the future.

Colonel Homola, a senior air battle manager with over 1,750 hours in the E-3, has had a prominent career that includes various airborne and ground operational assignments in the Theater Air Control System as an instructor and evaluator air weapons officer, senior director and mission crew commander.

Additionally, Colonel Homola served on the U.S. Central Command staff as a joint air operations officer and director of operations executive officer.

Colonel Koven will now serve in a Headquarters Air Force Requirements role at the Pentagon.