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Col. Dominic Setka takes command of the 552nd Air Control Group

  • Published
  • By Ron Mullan
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE Okla. --  In the 552nd Air Control Group's change of command ceremony held June 23, Col. Dominic Setka succeeded Col. Michael Homola as commander of the 552nd Air Control Group.  Col. David Gaedecke, 552nd Air Control Wing commander, was the presiding officer for the ceremony.

Colonel Setka's previous assignment was the deputy commander, 608th Air Operations Center, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.  He directed the U.S. Strategic Command's Joint Air Operations Center responsible for planning, directing and assessing strategic deterrence, assurance and global strike operations in support of USSTRATCOM. Colonel Setka is a senior air battle manager with more than 1,300 flying hours, including 308 combat support hours onboard the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft.

In his remarks, Colonel Gaedecke noted the passing of the torch of leadership and offered some words of advice to the new commander.

"Homey lit the torch and is handing it to you.  I have complete confidence in your ability to carry that torch and light a few of your own.  Lead boldly, let common sense, logic and innovation guide you.  We know you will further advance the group and our command and control (C2) community for the Air Force," Colonel Gaedecke said. "Your extensive battle management and C2 understanding make you the ideal next Air Control Group commander.  I know with your experience as a Control Reporting Center commander and your more recent time at the Air Operations Center, you will excel."

Following the exchange of the command guidon, Colonel Setka thanked Colonel Gaedecke and addressed his command for the first time.

"Colonel Gaedecke, I appreciate your confidence in me...You will have my absolute best effort to ensure that our Airmen feel valued in accomplishing the mission and that they are taken care of along with their families," said the colonel.  "I'm excited about being back at the 552nd Air Control Wing as we field new C2 equipment for our Control and Reporting Centers and transition to the AWACS 40/45," said Colonel Setka.

"To the men and women of the 552nd Air Control Group, although I'm your new commander... the real leaders that drive this group stand amongst you in the squadrons--the commanders, the officers, the senior NCOs, the NCOs and many motivated Airmen," Colonel Setka said.  "As the group commander, I'm not going to stand in your way of success.  The best thing I can do is to create an environment in which you can become the very best in the world at what you do...and take care of your families while you do it."

In thanking Colonel Homola for his service to the Air Force and the nation, Colonel Gaedecke noted the colonel's accomplishments.

"You have done an exceptional job leading the 552nd ACG. You have advanced the ball and left the E-3 and CRC community better than you found it ... You made an impressive impact that shaped our two weapon systems and our entire C2 community.  Thank you."

Colonel Homola in his farewell address thanked the men and women of the 552nd Air Control Group for their dedication and professionalism.

"At the group leadership level, we get to see truly amazing leaders doing fantastic and motivational work," Colonel Homola said. "We empowered commanders, enlisted leadership and each of the squadrons to accomplish their priorities and goals in support of the mission.  With an element of pride, I walk away from the Air Control Group knowing that we have made a difference.  It was an honor to serve as your commander."