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Thomey takes command of 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Hillier
  • 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  It was a day for change at the 188th Fighter Wing. Lt. Col. Deane E. Thomey, a native of Fayetteville, Ark., took command of the 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron at a change-of-command ceremony held at the 188th Fighter Wing Sept. 8.

Lt. Col. James F. Krohn of Clarksville, Ark., relinquished command of the 188th LRS during the ceremony.

"The men and women of the 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron and their past accomplishments have been exemplary," Thomey said. "I am truly humbled for the opportunity to work with such an outstanding group of Airmen. I look forward to getting to know each of them and being a part of their future successes."

During the ceremony, Thomey also thanked the numerous sources of support he has received during his career, including his faith, family and colleagues at the 188th. He expressed his appreciation for all the sacrifices his family members have made, and that he could not have achieved his professional successes without their support.

Thomey is now charged with commanding nearly 100 Airmen with the 188th LRS, which includes base supply, operational contracting, traffic management, vehicle maintenance, fuels and logistic readiness offices.

Thomey has served as chief of the 188th Fighter Wing Command Post since October of 2003. During this time, he has also served as an F-16 fighter pilot, A-10 fighter pilot and a range control officer.

As the Command Post chief, Thomey supervised a team of controllers that work with the 188th Fighter Wing's command staff ensuring real time information flow within the wing, providing timely communications and reporting with higher headquarters, coordinating incident and emergency response on the base and tracking the wing's aircraft.

A senior pilot, Thomey has 1,870 hours of military flight time in the T-37, T-38, C-130, F-16 and A-10. He is also a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom with 73 hours of combat flight time.

"With Lt. Col. Thomey's proven leadership, initiative and drive, I believe that he's the right person to take LRS to the next level," said Lt. Col. Tenise Gardner, 188th Mission Support Group commander. "I'm honored to have him as part of my team."

Outgoing LRS commander Lt. Col. Krohn also had high praise for the Airmen of the LRS.

"It has been an honor, a pleasure and a privilege to command the Logistics Readiness Squadron for the last six and a half years," Krohn said. "It has been without a doubt the best and most rewarding job I've had since I joined the 188th in 1988. We've toiled and sweated through many reorganizations, two aircraft conversions and two major inspections. Each time we met the challenges that came our way, emerged with our colors flying, taking what we learned and made our squadron better.

"I know that Lt. Col. Thomey is going to do a fine job and that very soon he will come to realize just what a terrific organization he has inherited."

Krohn moves on to a new assignment as the inspector general for the 188th Fighter Wing.

Thomey takes command of 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class John Hillier
  • 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
FORT SMITH, Ark. --  It was a day for change at the 188th Fighter Wing. Lt. Col. Deane E. Thomey, a native of Fayetteville, Ark., took command of the 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron at a change-of-command ceremony held at the 188th Fighter Wing Sept. 8.

Lt. Col. James F. Krohn of Clarksville, Ark., relinquished command of the 188th LRS during the ceremony.

"The men and women of the 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron and their past accomplishments have been exemplary," Thomey said. "I am truly humbled for the opportunity to work with such an outstanding group of Airmen. I look forward to getting to know each of them and being a part of their future successes."

During the ceremony, Thomey also thanked the numerous sources of support he has received during his career, including his faith, family and colleagues at the 188th. He expressed his appreciation for all the sacrifices his family members have made, and that he could not have achieved his professional successes without their support.

Thomey is now charged with commanding nearly 100 Airmen with the 188th LRS, which includes base supply, operational contracting, traffic management, vehicle maintenance, fuels and logistic readiness offices.

Thomey has served as chief of the 188th Fighter Wing Command Post since October of 2003. During this time, he has also served as an F-16 fighter pilot, A-10 fighter pilot and a range control officer.

As the Command Post chief, Thomey supervised a team of controllers that work with the 188th Fighter Wing's command staff ensuring real time information flow within the wing, providing timely communications and reporting with higher headquarters, coordinating incident and emergency response on the base and tracking the wing's aircraft.

A senior pilot, Thomey has 1,870 hours of military flight time in the T-37, T-38, C-130, F-16 and A-10. He is also a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom with 73 hours of combat flight time.

"With Lt. Col. Thomey's proven leadership, initiative and drive, I believe that he's the right person to take LRS to the next level," said Lt. Col. Tenise Gardner, 188th Mission Support Group commander. "I'm honored to have him as part of my team."

Outgoing LRS commander Lt. Col. Krohn also had high praise for the Airmen of the LRS.

"It has been an honor, a pleasure and a privilege to command the Logistics Readiness Squadron for the last six and a half years," Krohn said. "It has been without a doubt the best and most rewarding job I've had since I joined the 188th in 1988. We've toiled and sweated through many reorganizations, two aircraft conversions and two major inspections. Each time we met the challenges that came our way, emerged with our colors flying, taking what we learned and made our squadron better.

"I know that Lt. Col. Thomey is going to do a fine job and that very soon he will come to realize just what a terrific organization he has inherited."

Krohn moves on to a new assignment as the inspector general for the 188th Fighter Wing.