116th Air Control Wing Changes command Published July 12, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. Julie Parker 116 ACW Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia Air National Guard welcomed Col. Mark A. Weber as the new commander during a change of command ceremony held Saturday, here. Presiding over the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Jesse Simmons, Jr., commander of the Georgia Air National Guard. "The 116th ACW is more than a deployable flying wing," said Weber. "Independent of the aviation package, we deploy civil engineers, security forces personnel, explosive ordnance disposal teams, communication specialists, and medical professionals. All of us are supported by a top-notch support group. In a nut shell, it is a big, multi-talented machine." Weber has been serving in the Georgia ANG for close to 20 years, and is returning to the 116th ACW where he held squadron and group commander assignments. Most recently, Weber served as the chief of Joint Staff with the Georgia Department of Defense. "Under my command, we will triangulate our focus in three key areas and continue to provide unprecedented and assured access to the ANG," said Weber. "Those three areas are safety, compliance, and mission execution. Safety can never be compromised, compliance is non-negotiable, and executing the mission anywhere in the world is our job and we will always be ready when called." A command pilot with more than 3,700 flying hours, Weber has piloted the E-8C, RC-26B, C-130E/H and the B-1B aircraft. Former 116th ACW commander Col. Kevin Clotfelter was presented the Georgia Distinctive Service Medal by Army Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard, adjutant general, Georgia Department of Defense. Jarrard also presented the wing with a proclamation from the governor, congratulating the unit on reaching 100,000 combat flying hours in U.S. Central Command. The 461st Air Control Wing, an active associate to the 116th ACW, and the Military Intelligence Detachment (JSTARS) were key contributors to reaching the 100,000 hour milestone.