Page 5 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt, August 2022

Thunderbolt News August 2022 5 http://www.luke.af.mil Facebook.com/LukeThunderbolt
Col. Matthew Johnston assumes control of the 56th Operations Group
U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Johnston, 56th Opera- tions Group commander, provides remarks after assuming command dur- ing the 56th OG change of command ceremony June 3, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.
By Senior Airman PhYLLiS Jimenez
56 FW/PA
It’s change of command season at Luke Air Force Base. U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing commander, served as the reviewing officer when U.S. Air Force Col. George Watkins re- linquished command of the 56th Operations Group to U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Johnston on June 3, 2022.
Johnston, a command pilot with more than 2,000 flight hours in the T-37, T-38, AT-38, F-16C/D, and F-35A Joint Strike Fighter, earned his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Management.
Having served as the director of operations for the 388th Operations Support Squadron and as the commander of the 34th Fighter Squadron at Hill AFB, Utah, Johnston says he understands how much squadron commanders have on their plates.
“I see my role as an enabler,” said Johnston. “I want to help eliminate obstacles so squadron commanders, senior leadership, and Airmen can do their jobs.”
This is Johnston’s second assignment to Luke AFB. In 2007, he was an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot evaluator and chief of training for the 309th Fighter Squadron. He says he is impressed with what he has seen while visiting the flight line and is excited to be back in fighter country.
“I really want to see the squadrons accomplish their mission,” said Johnston. “If they’re accom- plishing their mission, the group accomplishes its mission.”
U.S. Air Force photos by Airman Mason Hargrove
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing commander (left), hands a guidon to U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Johnston, 56th Operations Group commander, during the 56th OG change of command ceremony June 3, 2022, Luke Air Force Base,
TA:9ri.z5o"na. The 56th OG builds the future of air power by executing world class flying oper- ations, providing elite instruction and cultivating the air power community for the United States, our allies and our partners.
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