Col. Troy D. Howerton is the 188th Mission Support Group Commander, Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas. As MSG Commander, he leads more than 350 Airmen who provide base operating support to the wing through various specialty and career fields, including base defense, internal security, civil engineering, personnel management and accountability, communications, contracting, supply, transportation, lodging, dining, and recreational services. The wing provides decision advantage, strike and combat support capabilities to meet combatant commander requirements worldwide, while also supporting domestic operations in times of state or national emergency.
Col. Howerton enlisted in the 188th Fighter Wing in 1988 as a medical service specialist. Following technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and clinical training at Eglin AFB, Florida, he served in the 188th Clinic. In 2000, Col. Howerton earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bartlesville Wesleyan College. He received his commission in 1995 and served in the 188th Medical Group as a member of the Nurse Corps. In 2019, the colonel earned his master’s degree in military operational art and science from Air University. Prior to his current position, Col. Howerton was the 188th Wing MSG Deputy Commander at Ebbing ANG Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas.
In December 2005, he was selected to command the 188th Security Forces Squadron. As a result of mission conversion, in July 2014, he was command directed to serve as the Senior Intelligence Officer for the 188th Operations Support Squadron. He has also served as the Wing Plans Officer, Inspector General Director of Inspections, and detailed as the Medical Administrative Officer. Col. Howerton has deployed in support of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.
EDUCATION
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1992
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Associate Degree Nursing Science, West Ark Community College, Fort Smith, Ark.
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1995
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Commissioned Officer Training, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
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2000
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Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Science, Bartlesville Wesleyan College, Bartlesville, Okla.
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2003
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Squadron Officer School, In-residence, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
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2006
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Security Forces Basic Officer Course, Lackland AFB, Texas
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2011
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Air Command and Staff College, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
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2015
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USAF Intelligence Officer Course, Goodfellow AFB, Texas
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2019
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Master’s Degree; Military Operational Art and Science/Joint Warfare, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
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2020
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Air War College, Air University, Maxwell AFB, Ala.
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ASSIGNMENTS
- January 1989-March 1989, Student, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, Texas
- March 1989-June 1989, Student, Technical Training School, Sheppard AFB, Texas
- June 1989-August 1989, Student, Clinical Training, Eglin AFB, Fla.
- August 1989-December 2005, 188th Medical Group, Fort Smith, Ark.
- December 2005-July 2014, Security Forces Squadron Commander, 188th SFS, Fort Smith, Ark.
- October 2014-April 2015, Intelligence Officer Course, Goodfellow AFB, Texas
- April 2015-August 2016, Senior Intelligence Officer, 188th Operations Support Squadron, Fort Smith, Ark.
- August 2016-October 2017, Wing Plans Officer, 188th Wing, Fort Smith, Ark.
- October 2017-August 2018, Inspector General, Director of Inspections, 188th Wing, Fort Smith, Ark.
- August 2018-August 2019, Medical Administrative Officer, 188th MDG, Fort Smith, Ark.
- August 2019-May 2023, Deputy Mission Support Group Commander, 188th MSG, Fort Smith, Ark.
- May 2023-Present, Mission Support Group Commander, 188th MSG, Fort Smith, Ark.
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Aerial Achievement Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Clusters Army Commendation Medal
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Second Lieutenant June 10, 1995
First Lieutenant June 10, 1997
Captain June 13, 1999
Major July 13, 2003
Lieutenant Colonel Oct. 1, 2011
Colonel May 7, 2023
(Current as of May 2023)