TOP STORY >>Air National Guard wing changes command

By Airman 1st Class Kayla Edwards
189th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Speaking the words “Sir, I assume command,” Col. Jim Summers took command Nov. 3 of the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing. 

With a gigantic American flag as a backdrop, the colonel firmly grasped the wing’s flag from Brig. Gen. Riley Porter, Arkansas ANG commander, and handed it off to Chief Master Sgt. Steve Arnold, the wing’s command chief, marking a new era in the wing’s leadership. 

Colonel Summers replaced Col. Travis D. Balch, who served as the wing commander from August 2003 to November 2007. 
“Colonel Balch has done an outstanding job with the wing, and I have no doubt Colonel Summers will do a great job as well,” said General Porter. 

Colonel Summers brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership experience to the office of wing commander. During his time at the 189th AW, he has served as squadron, group and vice wing commander, as well as chief of current operations. 
Colonel Summers, a former Marine helicopter pilot, also served as a C-130H aircraft commander while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. He is a command pilot with more than 9,100 flying hours. 

During the ceremony, Colonel Summers thanked the all of the members of the 189th AW for their hard work and dedication to the wing’s mission. 

“The fact that you have chosen to wear the uniform and do the job you do indicates that you are true patriots,” said Colonel Summers. 

He stated his anticipation of working with all the wing’s members, and he is positive this year’s operational readiness inspection will be successful. 

“The ultimate measure of our success as a unit will be judged by our ability to safely and effectively execute our mission in support of national and state objectives,” said Colonel Summers. 

The 189th faces its biggest challenge with the upcoming operational readiness inspection, but Colonel Summers said he believes the wing has a winning team. 

“I consider it a great honor and privilege to serve with the most highly skilled, highly trained, and highly motivated group of individuals in the Air National Guard,” Colonel Summers said. 

The purpose of the change of command is to allow subordinates to witness the formal transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from one officer to another. 

The colonel took command at a busy time for the wing. Besides preparing for an ORI in April, roughly 10 percent of the wing’s 860 members are deployed to support operations in Iraq, Afghanistan or along the Mexican-American border. 

Wing officials expect to pick up more state missions this winter as the Arkansas Army Guard’s 39th Brigade Combat Team mobilizes for its second one-year tour in Iraq. The 39th is the state’s largest unit and typically bears the brunt of winter storm and tornado recovery missions.