RONINS AIR FORCE BASE, Warner Robins, July 19, 2010 – Georgia’s 116th Air Control Wing located at Robins Air Force Base said goodbye to one commander and welcomed a new one in a ceremony last week at the Museum of Aviation. 

Following a standing ovation, Brig. Gen. Thomas “Moose” Moore relinquished command of the 2,300-member Wing to Col. Jeffrey “Buffalo” Herd. 

“I can’t say enough good things about Team Robins,” said Moore, who is going on to be commander of the 3,000-member Georgia Air National Guard. 

“It has been incredible,” said Moore, who departs after four years as commander of the 116th.

Like Moore, Herd is a master navigator with approximately 3,000 hours in a variety of aircraft, including more than 300 combat hours.

In his most recent assignment at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., he commanded the 55th Operations Group, which performs reconnaissance, command and control, presidential support, and treaty verifications missions. With 11 squadrons and nine aircraft models, it is the largest operations group in the Air Force.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to command what is arguably one of the highest profile wings in the Air Force,” said Herd. “We have the rare opportunity to continue to set the standard for all total-force units in the Air Force.”

The 116th is made up of both Georgia Air National Guard personnel and active-duty Airmen. The unit operates the Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System, or J-STARS. 

No stranger to Robins or  the J-STARS, Herd previously served with the 93rd Training Squadron and later commanded the 16th Airborne Command and Control Squadron in the 116th.

Moore expressed his thanks to all of the Airmen of the 116th who served with him during a period in which the 116th had its highest ever involvement in combat operations.

"I owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude for the sacrifices you guys make," he said. "You are absolutely awesome and it has been an honor to be your commander."

Story and photos by Wayne Crenshaw

Public Affairs

 Robins Air Force Base