Wing welcomes Col. Gregory C. Jones as commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Melissa Harvey
  • 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas --  Col. Gregory C. Jones took command of the 301st Fighter Wing from Col. John M. Breazeale during a change of command ceremony Sunday, Sept. 11 in a hangar at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas.

Tenth Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Richard W. Scobee, presided over the ceremony. During his speech, he recognized Breazeale and his wife, Karen, on their service to the wing.

"You have absolutely been successful here. Thank you both for keeping the main thing the main thing – which is producing combat power for America and even more importantly taking care of our most precious resource - our Airmen.”

Scobee then spoke of Jones and his wife, Helen, and how they will contribute to the success of the wing.

“When great leaders depart our organizations, we need to find the next great leader who is going to continue to build on what was accomplished,” he said. “That team is Col. “Honez” Jones and Helen. They have the right mix of humility and talent to advance our mission here farther than we have gone before and that’s what is going to make us successful.”

After Breazeale addressed the wing for the last time and rendered a final salute, Col. Gregory C. Jones was officially appointed the new wing commander.

Jones joins the wing from 10th Air Force where he served as the director of operations and plans. He is a command pilot with more than 4,400 flying hours in various aircraft.

As Jones addressed the wing for the first time as its commander, he spoke of three things the Air Force Reserve brings to the fight - continuity, cost effectiveness, and depth of experience. He also spoke of the wing’s active associate, and how the partnership is a best practice.

“To the men and women of the 301st Fighter Wing, we are going to keep doing what you do best,” he said. “We are going to look for efficiencies that will enable you to concentrate on your primary jobs and your family. We will work on ways to prepare this wing for the next 15 years and beyond.”

Jones continued, “It’s an honor and a privilege to be your commander. You are the humble citizens who step forward to protect and preserve the values we hold so dear. Helen and I look forward to serving with and for you.”