Col. James Bowen Jr. takes command of the 1st Air Support Operations Group

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Russ Jackson
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  The change of command is a military formation deeply rooted in history and tradition dating back to the time of Frederick the Great of Prussia. When Soldiers followed their leaders into battle, their flag was used to provide a visible point around which members of the unit could rally during the pandemonium of battle. The modern day ceremony is just as symbolic but it still announces to all the authority of the incoming commander.

The men and women of the 1st Air Support Operations Group welcomed Col. James Bowen Jr. who assumed command from Col. Bruce Beyerly during a change of command ceremony, May 27, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

"Members of the 1st ASOG, your reputation is stellar, it is well-known and hard earned," said Bowen. "I am incredibly honored to be joining your ranks today and I am unbelievably humbled at the opportunity to lead you all."

Bowen assumed command of more than 550 active duty military and civilian personnel from four squadrons and four detachments which provide combat-ready tactical air control party and battlefield weather assets to combat units. His group advises the Army on United States and Allied aerospace power, warfighting doctrine and capabilities as well as integrates close air support, airlift and reconnaissance assets into joint battle plans.

Bowen graduated from the University of Virginia in 1991 and began his career as an acquisition officer before transitioning to the F-15E Strike Eagle as a weapons system officer. He served on the Air Staff as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition's Global Power Programs and commanded the 604th Air Support Operations Squadron in the Republic of Korea.

He is a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Aerial Achievement Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal.

With more than 1,100 flying hours in the F-15E, Bowen joins the 1st ASOG having participated in combat operations in Operations Northern Watch, Allied Force and Iraqi Freedom and made it evident he looks forward to working with his new group.

"Gen. Mark Welsch has made it abundantly clear that the United States Air Force is committed to the close air support mission," Bowen said. "When our nation and our joint partners call on us, we will be there."

After thanking the partners of JBLM, the civic leaders of the Pacific Northwest and his family, he made it clear that he is ready to get to work.

"I am so excited to be joining America's Corps and I look forward to working with this team over the next several years. It's going to be a blast," Bowen said with a smile.

As the change of command ceremony ended, the work for Col. James Bowen Jr., 1st ASOG commander had just begun.