94th AW welcomes new Operations Group commander

DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Col. Brett J. Clark assumed command of the 94th Operations Group during the March unit training assembly. Colonel Clark succeeds Col. Lee R. Hutchinson who retired with 30 years of service. Col. Heath Nuckolls, 94th AW commander was the presiding officer for the ceremony and opened the proceedings by welcoming distinguished visitors and guests and expressing his gratitude for the achievements of Colonel Hutchinson and his optimism about the arrival of Colonel Clark. 

Colonel Clark joins the 94th AW from the 919th Operations Group operating out of Duke Field, Fla. Over his 22-year career he’s held a variety of flying positions in both training and operational units. Colonel Nuckolls stated that Colonel Clark’s experience in directing combat operations in several conflicts and contingencies such as Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom will prove invaluable to the 94th AW Operations Group as they continue to develop C-130 aircrew capabilities. 

Following the transfer of the unit guidon signifying the transfer of command, Colonel Clark thanked Colonel Nuckolls for the opportunity to lead and praised Colonel Hutchinson for his service and the 94th AW for its “rich tradition of excellence”. He spoke of the vital role that the 94th AW has played in the current operational environment and how the training of aircrew is vital to the ultimate success of the Air Force mission. He pledged his “best effort” and expressed his excitement over getting started in his new role. 

The proceedings then transitioned into a retirement ceremony as Colonel Nuckolls and the 94th Operations Group paid tribute to the very successful career of Colonel Hutchinson and thanked him for his many accomplishments as commander of the Operations Group over the last 22 months. Colonel Hutchinson was then awarded the Legion of Merit medal for directing the Operations Group, supporting contingencies such as Operation Enduring Freedom and for his leadership in the 94th Airlift Wing’s impressive reenactment of the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France last year. Colonel Hutchinson thanked all those who supported him including members of the Operations Group and especially his wife who he credits for much of his success throughout his career. He complimented the Operations Group for their many accomplishments over the last two years and wished them continued success in the future.