302nd Operations Group changes command

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. David D. Morton
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  In a change of command ceremony held over the March's unit training assembly, Col. Kurt T. Jones assumed command of the 302nd Operations Group after transferring from Dover where he served as the 512th OG deputy commander. Colonel Jones has served in the Air Force for more than 20 years and has more than 5,800 flying hours in flying both the C-5 and C-21A aircraft.

During the coming months, the new commander is expected to cross-train and qualify in the C-130 Hercules.

The activation and manning of a new Active Duty-associate squadron, an upcoming unit compliance inspection, support for flying operations in and around the Horn of Africa and the likelihood of upcoming Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System deployments will present a set of challenges for the new commander.

During the change of command ceremony, Colonel Jones said, "My job will be to provide leadership and vision for the future."

You have the best pilots, engineers and med(ical) techs in the command. Your trademarks and reputation precede you. We'll take this step-by-step as I learn with you. I'm proud to be part of your wing."

Colonel Jones assumes command of the 302nd OG from Col. Karl A. Schmitkons, who will transfer to Dover and assume the duties of the new 512th OG commander where he'll fly C-5 Galaxy transports.

"Change normally happens whether we want it or not," said Colonel Schmitkons. "It's how we react to that change which defines us. I know Colonel Jones well enough to predict great things while meeting our future challenges and know this group will stand up for him. Thank you for the best four years of my career."

During his time as the 302nd OG commander, the unit participated in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom and conducted numerous MAFFS operations while fighting wildland fires across the western U.S. The flying squadron is also credited with keeping nearly 3,000 combat troops out of harms way by providing airlift support for U.S. Army convoys in Iraq.

The unit stood up the 34th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, and is scheduled to welcome a new reverse active duty associate squadron into the wing this summer.

Col. Jay Pittman., 302nd Airlift Wing commander, had no doubt both men would be successful during their new assignments. In his comments during the ceremony, Colonel Pittman said it was "a very important day for both."

Colonel Jones you'll be joining us here as a group commander where you'll be seasoned for a couple of years and get a lot of opportunities to succeed. I anticipate you'll become a wing commander. Welcome aboard."

In addressing the departing OG commander, Colonel Pittman said, "Colonel Schmitkons, you've come full circle in way; we met at Willow Grove. You've always done a fantastic job. In Korea, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Little Rock ... you took care of your people and the equipment. The 34th AES is up and running ahead of schedule. I look forward to seeing you as a wing commander in the very near future."

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