News

116th Air Control Wing Changes command

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Julie Parker
  • 116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga --  The 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia Air National Guard welcomed Col. Mark Weber Saturday as its new commander during a change of command ceremony.

Brig. Gen. Jesse Simmons, Jr., commander of the Georgia Air National Guard, presided over the ceremony.

"The 116th ACW is more than a deployable flying wing," said Weber.  "Independent of the aviation package, we deploy civil engineers, security forces personnel, explosive ordnance disposal teams, communication specialists and medical professionals. All of us are supported by a top-notch support group.

"In a nutshell, it's a big, multi-talented machine."

Weber has served in the Georgia ANG for almost 20 years, and is returning to the 116th ACW where he was both a squadron and group commander. Most recently, Weber served as the chief of Joint Staff with the Georgia Department of Defense.

"Under my command, we will triangulate our focus in three key areas and continue to provide unprecedented and assured access to the ANG," he said. "Those three areas are safety, compliance, and mission execution.  

"Safety can never be compromised, compliance is non-negotiable, and executing the mission anywhere in the world is our job and we will always be ready when called," he added.

A command pilot with more than 3,700 flying hours, Weber has piloted the E-8C, RC-26B, C-130E/H and the B-1B aircraft.

Former 116th ACW commander Col. Kevin Clotfelter was presented the Georgia Distinctive Service Medal by Army Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard, adjutant general, Georgia Department of Defense.

Jarrard also presented the wing with a proclamation from the governor, congratulating the unit on reaching 100,000 combat flying hours in U.S. Central Command. 

The 461st Air Control Wing, an active associate with the 116th ACW, and the Military Intelligence Detachment (JSTARS) were key contributors to reaching the 100,000-hour milestone.