Operations Group welcomes new commander, retires former
By Tech. Sgt. Samuel Morse, 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published June 04, 2015
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --
The 366th Operations Group welcomed Col. Brian P. McCarthy as its new commander here June 2.
As commander, he will oversee more than 800 military and civilian members conducting flying operations of the two F-15E Strike Eagle fighter squadrons and one Singaporean F-15SG fighter squadron.
Before moving to Mountain Home Air Force Base, McCarthy served as a special assistant to the Assistant Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. McCarthy's awards and decorations include a Distinguished Flying Cross and the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters. This will be McCarthy's third tour at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
"[McCarthy] has excelled at every level," said Col. David Iverson, 366th Fighter Wing commander and presiding officer of the ceremony. "His outstanding performance in every job and accolades from all levels speak for themselves."
McCarthy emphasized the importance the 366th OG airmen play in the greater mission.
"Our group's mission is simple: to fly, to fight and to win," McCarthy said. "Each and every one of you are critical to that mission, regardless of your rank, your position or your job description."
Col. Michael S. Ballek, the former commander, had parting advice for McCarthy.
"Take good care of these airmen, point them in the right direction, and let them go, and just get out of the way and watch what happens," Ballek said to McCarthy. "You'll be as amazed and impressed as I have been."
Ballek retired from the U.S. Air Force during a ceremony later that day, ending a distinguished 22-year career.
"[Ballek], you and your team have built the most capable squadrons in Combat Air Forces," Iverson said. "You can be proud of your leadership and the excellent work your team has done. We will miss you and the talents and motivation you bring to the Ops Group."
During the retirement ceremony, Ballek shared that his passion for the Gunfighter family was a major reason for retiring at this point.
"I couldn't imagine going from this to a better job anywhere in the Air Force," Ballek said. "So I thought, I'm doing what I love doing, at a place I love, surrounded by people I love, so why not call it a career and go out on a high note?"