Governor Perdue Announces 116th Air Control Wing Commander

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Colonel James “Rev” Jones as commander of the Georgia Air National Guard's 116th Air Control Wing (ACW).  Headquartered at Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins , Georgia , the 116th ACW is the only Total Force unit in the United States Air Force.  Colonel Jones becomes the first active duty commander of the unique organization made up of both active duty and Georgia National Guard members.

“I am confident that Colonel Jones will build upon the strengths of a wing that thrived under the leadership of Brigadier General Tom Lynn,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “The Georgia Air National Guard and the 116th are part of a unique partnership with the U.S. Air Force.  I look forward to working with Air Force Chief of Staff General “Buzz” Moseley to see that this wing continues its outstanding performance for years to come.”

Colonel Jones' extensive career includes command of the 116th Operations Group and positions at the flight, squadron, group and wing levels including command of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates .  He has also held staff positions at the Air Land Sea Application Center and at the Air Staff.  Colonel Jones is a command pilot with over 2,700 flying hours. 

“Leading such a complex organization is a significant leadership challenge,” said Major General David B. Poythress, Georgia 's Adjutant General.  “Colonel Jones's experience, proven leadership and prior service with the 116th Air Control Wing makes him uniquely qualified for this role.”

Colonel Jones will take command of the unit from Brigadier General Tom Lynn, who has commanded the 116th for seven years.  General Lynn will assume the position of Air National Guard Assistant for Logistics at the National Guard Bureau in Washington , D.C.

“General Lynn has done an absolutely tremendous job during his tenure as commander,” said General Poythress.  “His leadership, style, vision and creativity were absolutely vital in the transition of the 116th Air Control Wing into a unique total force organization.”

The 116th Air Control Wing is the only unit in the Air Force flying the complex Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) aircraft which flies over the battlefield providing ground commanders with real-time intelligence.  The unit, which played a key role during the Iraqi War, has earned an unprecedented 13 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and last year was awarded the prestigious Spaatz Trophy as the best flying wing in the Air Force.