New commander takes charge of Mustang Stampede

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Candy Knight
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  It was a homecoming of sorts when the new commander of the 51st Fighter Wing took the stage Oct. 15.

Col. Thomas Deale, who previously served at Osan in a variety of roles from October of 2001 to June of 2004, took command of the 51st Fighter Wing from Col. Jon Norman during a ceremony in the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron Hangar. Lt. Gen. Stephen Wood, 7th Air Force commander, presided over the event.

"Coming back to the 51st Fighter Wing and the Republic of Korea is like coming home for the Deales," he said. "Osan and Korea is a special place for us."

After thanking General Wood, Colonel Norman and distinguished visitors, Colonel Deale addressed the Airmen of the Mustang Stampede.

"It is my highest honor to serve our nation as your commander," he said. "We have a proud heritage of combat service and a legacy of success. "Together, we will continue to train and develop as Airmen, professionals and warriors as we face new challenges, new missions and integrate new capabilities," he added.

Colonel Deale said the skills and efforts of Osan Airmen will help the wing succeed in the future.

"We will continue with the highest standards of professionalism and readiness set by those who came before us," he said. "And we will ensure that we continue the 51st Fighter Wing legacy for those who will join us in the months, and years, to come."

Colonel Norman, who took command of the wing June 15, 2007, leaves Team Osan to become the executive officer for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

"Today, we bid farewell to Col. Jon 'Storm'N' Norman," said General Wood. "Over the past 16 months, he has led this wing to awesome levels of excellence. His perseverance has been unmatched. His unwavering focus on combat readiness has made their mark -- there is no doubt that this fighter wing is ready to fight tonight."

During his tenure, Colonel Norman's focus on maintaining the wing's personnel, equipment and warfighting aircraft resulted in the wing achieving the highest F-16 and A-10 aircraft rates of use in Combat Air Forces. Furthermore, his leadership played an important part in the wing earning "Outstanding" and "Excellent" rating during the Pacific Air Forces' Operational Readiness and Unit Compliance Inspections.