Photo By Master Sgt. Morgan Whitehouse | U.S. Air Force Col. Robert S. Noren, outgoing commander, 165th Airlift Wing (AW),...... read more read more
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Former 165th Airlift Wing commander, U.S Air Force Col. Robert S. Noren, will serve as the next deputy director of Plans, Program and Requirements (A5/A8) for the Air National Guard Readiness Center on Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, beginning summer 2023.
Since 1993, Noren has had an esteemed military career featuring qualifications in four different weapon systems, seven deployments, and leading in four commander billets, including a Group command position in combat zone.
In 2021, Noren assumed command of the 165th AW and was charged with leading more than 1,400 Airmen assigned to the wing and its Geographically Separated Units.
“One of my first priorities after taking command was to get after the Air Mobility Command Manifesto and get the 165th more engaged in the pivot to the Pacific,” said Noren. “We had to really look at all the missions we were doing and see what’s relevant, what’s not relevant, and figure out solutions to gaps in our capabilities.”
Noren remarks one of his most memorable moments as 165th commander was the unit’s short-notice deployment in support of U.S. Air Forces Europe in 2022.
“I remember it was a Thursday, and the whole base was getting ready for February drill,” said Noren. “We got a call from National Guard Bureau requesting urgent C-130 support for the European defense mission after Russia invaded Ukraine. They asked us to be the lead. I remember going to my staff with the news and, right away, everyone didn’t just respond with a ‘yes’... they responded with a ‘heck yes’.”
In less than 72 hours, the 165th mobilized approximately 100 citizen Airmen and two aircraft as part of a tactical airlift package to supply logistical support and military aid on the Eastern Flank. The 165th was lead for the Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve team, with a Reserve unit from Minnesota contributing 2 other aircraft and crews.
“It was awesome to watch everybody switch gears, pitch in at their specific skill set, and successfully send our C-130s and ready crews downrange in record time,” said Noren.
June 11, 2023, marked the next chapter of Noren’s career as he relinquished command of the 165th to Col. Sheldon B. Wilson, who was assigned to the unit from 2002 to 2022.
“As the 165th starts the C-130J conversion process, we must make sure we don’t take a knee once we hit conversion. We need to get through conversion with the same rigor we hit everything else,” said Noren. “Col. Wilson knows this wing, knows the people, and is the right person to lead the 165th through and out of conversion.”
In Noren’s next chapter as A5/A8 deputy director, he will provide advice and counsel on policy, budget, and strategic planning initiatives that will influence the future of the Air National Guard.
“I think it’s crucial to send those with a lot of field experience to Guard Bureau, so that they can provide perspective, lead where appropriate and make decisions based on that frontline experience,” said Noren. “With my time in the field and completion of my fourth command tour, I hope I bring a sense of the mission and will avoid getting bogged down by that which does not make us more lethal. After all, everything we do has to be for the good of the warfighter.”
While reflecting on his time as 165th commander, Noren emphasized that serving alongside Savannah’s hometown Airmen was the highlight of the job.
“I really appreciate the citizen Airman,” said Noren. “I appreciate the fact that everybody, when the rubber meets the road, wants to get involved and wants to make sure this wing shines. To all our Airmen at the 165th, the Air Dominance Center, and our GSUs, thanks for what you do every day for Team Savannah and our nation.”
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2023 16:02 |
| Story ID: | 446631 |
| Location: | SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 245 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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