New Commander for 403rd Operations Group

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J. Justin Pearce
  • 403rd Wing
Keelser AFB, Miss. --  Building a better team and demonstrating the 403rd Wing’s airlift capabilities are among the top priorities for the new 403rd Operations Group commander.
 
Lt. Col. Jay Jensen was named to head up the unit on the departure of Col. Michael Underkofler, who assumed command of the 908th Airlift Wing at Maxwell AFB, Ala. Jan. 8. 

“I’m pretty excited,” said Colonel Jensen. “This is the first year the 815th Airlift Squdaron has had a fully operating squadron since 1998, and I expect to see them performing a greater range of missions that haven’t been supported before or haven’t been supported since the unit began conversion to the C-130J.” 

Colonel Jensen said he also wants to see more troops in the flying squadrons earn dual qualification, as well as more frequent joint support of airlift missions by the two flying squadrons. 

Colonel Underkofler said he is extremely confident in Colonel Jensen’s leadership abilities. The two have worked together before serving at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. 

“It’s nice seeing someone you grew up with take your place, especially someone with so much technical expertise in aviation,” said Colonel Underkofler. 

“I don’t think we would have gotten through this storm season with the J-models if it wasn’t for him. He brings a lot to the table,” he said. 

“I’d like to make sure Air Force Reserve Command sees the 403rd as a “can do” wing. If there’s an airlift mission, I want the 403rd to be the first unit leadership considers,” said Colonel Jensen. 

Overall, he said he is striving to ensure the Operations Group is ready for the Air Force’s Future Total Force initiative with one wing, one mission. 

One of the first missions that will further contribute to this goal is a dual deployment supported by both the 815th and 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Later this year, the wing will provide aircrews in support of Operation Coronet Oak, a continuing mission supplying personnel deployed to Muniz Air National Guard Base.

 “There’s no doubt that as far as flying, this group has very talented individuals, and I’m going to get as much as I can out of their time and effort,” he said. “My belief is that if you work hard and do a good job, then you should be encouraged and mentored further.”