AFNORTH director selected for command

Brig. Gen. James Schroeder, Illinois Air National Guard commander, passes the wing flag to Col. Ronald E. Paul, incoming 183rd Fighter Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony in Springfield Nov. 3. Prior to assuming command, Colonel Paul was the Director of Logistics on the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) staff. The passing of the flag symbolizes the passing of command responsibilities to the new commander.

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AFNORTH director selected for command

Published Nov. 9, 2012
By Mary McHale
AFNORTH Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- To be chosen for command.

In the military, it's the ultimate compliment of a person's character and leadership skills. It's also one recently bestowed on a former member of the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) staff, Col. Ronald Paul, who served as Director of Logistics.

"It is an honor and humbling privilege to be selected as the next wing commander of the 183rd Fighter Wing," the colonel said. "I really look forward to working with the people of the 183rd and leveraging their current missions into long-term support for the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard."

The wing is based out of Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Ill. and serves the Total Force by providing support to global contingency and homeland defense roles and missions.

As the late legendary coach, Paul "Bear" Bryant used to say, 'I love losing the good ones', and I'm happy to say, we're losing a good one as we congratulate Col. Ron Paul on his recent selection as the next commander of the 183rd Fighter Wing," said Lt. Gen. Sid Clarke, CONR-AFNORTH commander. "Ron has done a superb job as my director of logistics. I wish him and Joyce nothing but great things as he takes on one of the best jobs an officer can have -- commander!"

Colonel Paul joined AFNORTH in October, 2009. During his tenure at Tyndall, he provided maintenance, engineering, supply, transportation, and logistics direction. Additionally, his directorate conducted Air Sovereignty Alert operational assessments in support of Operation Noble Eagle and oversaw wartime and contingency planning and sustainment of Air Forces fielded in support of U.S. Northern Command and NORAD.

A graduate of the Air Force Academy, the colonel launched his military career as a student in the aircraft maintainer course at Chanute AFB, in Illinois. From there he held active-duty positions at bases around the world to include the United Kingdom and Germany. Stateside assignments have included Idaho, Alaska, Utah, and as commander of a maintenance squadron and mission support group with the 183rd FW before his assignment to Tyndall.

"My tour here was extremely valuable," he reflected. "I've learned more in the past three years than any other assignment. The most memorable events have been the real-world operations like the Haiti earthquake, Deepwater Horizon and several hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. Each operation was unique and challenging, and each demonstrated how we can work together as a team."

The significant move up is not without immediate challenges. He said his biggest short-term challenge is an upcoming comprehensive inspection.

"This inspection will look at all areas of the base and identify strengths and weaknesses," he said. "I feel they have put a lot of time and energy into preparation, but you can never be too prepared."

But while he looks forward, he also took time to reflect.

"I'd like to thank all the members of CONR-1st Air Force and the 325th Fighter Wing for their support over the past three years," he said. They are true professionals who are the absolute best at what they do. Joyce and I will definitely miss the people of the Panhandle, but we are sure to come back and visit."