HomeNewsArticle Display

Lt.?Col. Rhone in at 729th

  • Published
  • By Ken LaFayette
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Lt. Col. Jon M. Rhone took command of the 729th Air Control Squadron from Lt. Col. Dominic Setka, commander, in a change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., May 6.

The 729th ACS is a geographically separated unit that falls under the 552nd Air Control Wing.

Col. Roger A. Brown commander, 552nd Air Control Group and presiding officer at the ceremony, applauded Colonel Setka for doing a superb job as squadron commander and welcomed Colonel Rhone as the new commander of the "Demons."

As commander of one of three Air Force Control and Reporting Centers, Colonel Setka leads the Air Force's largest Air Control Squadron responsible for $310 million worth of equipment, and the overall training and combat readiness for over 380 personnel in 26 career fields.

In the last 24 months, the squadron deployed twice to Iraq, supported six joint training exercises, underwent five higher headquarter SAVs and inspections which culminated in a Unit Compliance Inspection where the squadron achieved a 97 percent compliance rating.

Colonel Setka attributed the squadron successes to the enthusiasm and professionalism of demonstrated by his airmen.

"You never let me down, and as always you remain poised for peace and ready for war," he said. "I wish you all the best of luck as you take the fight to our nation's enemies."

As the director of Operations at the 729th Air Control Squadron at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Colonel Rhone is no stranger to tactical command and control.

Colonel Rhone expressed his heartfelt appreciation to his family, peers, co-workers and those in attendance.

"It's a great feeling walking into a squadron that gets it, that's a testament to great leadership," he said. "You cannot imagine how proud I am to take command of the hardened professionals I see in front of me."

Colonel Rhone addressed expects his Airmen to maintain the high standards already in place.

"My expectations are simple, maintain the Demon standard and remain poised for peace by being prepared," said Colonel Rhone. "I am absolutely humbled and honored to take command of this squadron and I'm ready to go to work."