Col. Alan Kollien assumes command of 613th AOC

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kerry Jackson
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  Col. Allan Kollien assumed command of the 613th Air and Space Operations Center from Col. Wade Thompson during a ceremony here Nov. 10.

Colonel Kollien was previously the 613th AOC vice commander.  As commander, he will now lead one of five AN/USQ-163 FALCONER weapon systems worldwide through which a commander of Air Force Forces or a joint force air component commander exercises command and control of air, space, and information forces.

"Picking the next AOC commander was indeed a very simple decision," said Lt. Gen. Hawk Carlisle, 13th Air Force commander. "I have had the opportunity to watch this fantastic leadership team before and truthfully, they are as good as I have ever seen. Alan and Carla are the perfect choice to pick right up where the Thompsons left off, and take the AOC to even greater heights. Their enthusiastic, dedicated and caring servant leadership is truly something to behold."

The 613th AOC, also known as the Maj. Richard Bong AOC and assigned to 13th Air Force, supports operations in the Asia-Pacific region outside the U.S. Forces Korea area of responsibility and serves as the nerve center of air operations during any campaign.

"Thank you to the watch-standers ... Our Airmen, including Guardsmen, Soldiers and Sailors, who stand watch 24-7-365 for seven mission areas," said Colonel Kollien, during the ceremony. "It is our doctrinal and PACOM-tasked responsibility to oversee these mission areas for the theater and we do not take it lightly ... . It may seem like a thankless job, but it is vital, for the price of freedom is still eternal vigilance."

The 613th AOC focuses exclusively on air operations supporting the National Defense Strategy. The AOC develops strategy, plans, and command and control processes to employ air, space and information forces to achieve desired effects in support of U.S. Pacific Command objectives.  It supports the Commander of Air Force Forces and the joint/combined force air component commander by accomplishing strategy development, detailed planning, target development, weaponeering and force allocation, air tasking order production, force execution, and operational level assessment functions in support of the joint force commander's campaign plan.

"Colonel Thompson has been an incredibly successful commander and now he is moving to a huge job as General North's chief of staff ... a huge win for PACAF," said General Carlisle. "Wade, thank you for taking such great care of the 613th AOC -- you have definitely left it better than when you took over and you have to know yours was a job extremely well done."

Colonel Thompson expressed his gratitude to the men and women of the 613th AOC as they continue forward with the mission.

"There are many things that I'm going to miss about my time in the AOC, but what I will miss most is working with such outstanding people," said Colonel Thompson. "The mission of the Richard I. Bong Air and Space Operations Center could not happen, could not be performed in the excellent manner it is, day in and day out, without the dedication, hard work, and selfless sacrifice of each and every one of you -- I owe you all my profound gratitude."

General Carlisle also praised the 613th AOC team for all they do for the AOC mission.

"To the men and women of the 613th AOC, you are at the tip of spear, or at least you are guiding the spear's every move. You are the gold standard of AOCs and command and control, and you are pushing the envelope for the employment of airpower to new heights in everything you do. Thank you for your professionalism, your dedication and your discipline. I have no doubt that you will continue to excel under Colonel Kollien just as you did under Colonel Thompson."

The 613th AOC has five divisions: Strategy; Combat Plans; Combat Operations; Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance; and Air Mobility. In addition, several specialty and Agile Combat Support Teams provide cross-functional support and expertise to all divisions.