F-16 Fighting Falcon News

June 17, 2006 (by Joachim Jacob) - According to "The Arizona Republic", Col. Noel Jones took command of the 56th Fighter Wing (ACC), Luke AFB, Glendale, Arizona, on June 13.
Jones, a brigadier general select whose rank will become final when it is approved by Congress, most recently served as inspector general for Headquarters Air Combat Command at Langley AFB, Virginia.

In an earlier interview for the "Glendale Republic" Jones said: "I look forward to working with base and local community officials as we continue to train the world's greatest F-16 pilots and maintenance personnel."

Jones will oversee more than 7,000 military and civilian personnel and assume responsibility for more than 185 F-16 fighter jets, the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field and the Air Force portion of the 1,7 million-acre Barry M. Goldwater Refuge.

Jones is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy who holds master's degrees in aviation science and national security and strategic studies. He also is a command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours and has flown combat sorties over Iraq.

Jones succeeded Brig. Gen. Robin Rand who is heading to Balad AB, Iraq, to replace Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc as 332nd AEW commander.