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379 AEW changes command

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Leon Redfern
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Doug Jackson assumed command of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW) from Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Nelson during a ceremony at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 2, 2023.

Nelson commanded the 379th AEW since May of 2022 and led the “Grand Slam Wing” which comprises of airlift; aerial refueling; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and aeromedical evacuation assets, which support operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield. The wing provides support to more than 7,800 Air Force, joint, and coalition forces, and 55 mission partners.

Before relinquishing command, Nelson gave a few words about his time leading the wing.

“Being the 379th commander has been an honor of a lifetime and I’m thrilled for Brig. Gen. Jackson and Chief Master Sgt. Matthew King to become a part of the team, the grand slam wing is lucky to have them,” Nelson said. “I want to thank the men and women at AUAB for continuing to foster a warfighter culture and protecting our country. We are thankful to the state of Qatar for their continued investment to our facilities, and their enduring partnership.”

Jackson comes to the 379th AEW after serving as Headquarters Air Mobility Command inspector general at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He received his commission as a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, Detachment 750 in 1997.

Throughout his career, Jackson commanded at the squadron and group levels, and two times at the wing level. His staff assignments include the Joint Staff, Headquarters Air Force, Air Mobility Command, and the 603d Air Operations Center in Germany. He is a command pilot with more than 4,200 flight hours in mobility and trainer aircraft and has flown combat missions in support of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia logging nearly 400 combat hours.

“The 379th AEW’s reputation is exquisite and well-earned, I am excited to join your ranks,” Jackson said, “As I accept command of this fantastic organization, I make the following commitments to the members of the Grand Slam Wing: I am here to learn and grow with all of you, not dictate the path we take. To that end, I am determined to seek understanding first of our mission, our challenges and our narratives, rather to seek to be understood.”