KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Lt. Col. Robert Rogers, a combat systems officer, assumed command of the 150th Operations Group, New Mexico Air National Guard, during a ceremony here, Oct. 3, 2020.
Before being selected as the operations group commander Rogers served as the Operational Support Squadron commander and the wing’s plans and programs officer. He spent time in the Active Duty Air Force before transferring to the NMANG.
“As Lt. Col. Rogers assumes command of the operations group today I ask that the officers and enlisted members embrace this change,” said Col. Christopher Baca, 150 Special Operations Wing vice commander and presiding official. “Change is what is needed for good organizations to become great and a great organization to become exceptional. It is the organizations that embrace change and promote transformation, that achieve success in today’s complex environment.”
During the ceremony, Rogers said getting new aircrew members is a priority for him. “Working on ways for people to come over, and fly our aircraft, whether up front or in the back. That includes anyone from Datil, N.M. to right outside the gate, if they want an opportunity to do this, they have an opportunity, but we have to build that pathway for them.”
As the OG commander, Rogers is responsible for the ANG contribution to programmed flying training for all aircrew positions in the HC-130J, HH-60G and CV-22. The 150 OG currently has 127 positions with 95 filled.