New Commander to lead 380th EOG

Published May 21, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Mike Andriacco
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The 380th Expeditionary Operations Group formally said good-bye to its commander in a ceremony here, May 18.

Col. Kyle Garland relinquished command of the unit to Col. Soren Jones, who arrives from Headquarters, Air Combat Command, Langley Air Force Base, Va. Colonel Garland will continue his career at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

"Being selected as the 380th EOG is the greatest honor of my career," said Colonel Jones. "I look forward to leading some of the finest Airmen in the world as they continue supporting U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq."

Colonel Jones is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University and received his commission into the U.S. Air Force in 1986. He earned his wings at Columbus AFB, Miss., and started out flying the RC-135 Rivet Joint at Offutt AFB, Neb. Colonel Jones currently has a rating of command pilot and more than 4,700 flight-hours in the T-37, T-38, KC-135, RC-135 and U-2 aircraft.

Colonel Jones will command the 380th EOG for one year and made the expectations he has for his new Airmen clear.

"Building on the success of my predecessor, Colonel Garland, I entreat the men and women of the EOG stay focused on the fundamentals that are the hallmark of successful military aviation including flight discipline, attention to detail and teamwork," he said.