366th Fighter Wing bids farewell to Col. Browne, welcomes Col. Bird

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Col. John D. Bird II assumed command of the 366th Fighter Wing from Col. James S. Browne during a ceremony in Hangar 211 Feb. 11.

"Mountain Home Air Force Base has a mystique about it," said the wing's newest commander. "It's a hidden gem. There is a culture of excellence here, and I want to capitalize on it."

Lt. Gen. Norman Seip, 12th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony and said, "the wing's motto, 'Fortune Favors the Bold,' is more than just a catchy phrase, it represents the work of the wing every day."

General Seip said the Air Force has changed in recent years to a smaller, meaner and leaner force and the 366th FW leads the way and Colonel Bird brings a vast knowledge of Air Force operations to keep the Gunfighters in front.

"John, your outstanding reputation precedes you," said the general. "It will serve you well in the days ahead as you lead this wing to the next level of excellence."

Before arriving at Mountain Home AFB, Colonel Bird served in various capacities at four different fighter wings and a numbered air force. While stationed at Eglin AFB, Fla., Colonel Bird participated in the first-ever deployment of an Aerospace Expeditionary Force to Bahrain where he logged more than 50 hours of combat time patrolling the skies over Iraq. During his tour in Japan, he oversaw the Japan Air Self Defense Forces acquisition of air-to-air refueling capability and their first deployment to Cope Thunder in Alaska.

Prior to assuming command as Gunfighter One, Colonel Bird served as the 325th Fighter Wing vice commander, Tyndall AFB, Fla.

Colonel Bird promised the Gunfighters and General Seip that he would continue the standards of excellence and warfighting capabilities the 366th FW has demonstrated so often in recent years.

The wing's outgoing commander departs Mountain Home for an assignment as the director for Air Force colonel management at the Pentagon, Washington D.C.

"Colonel Bird, you are about to take command of one of America's finest wings," said Colonel Browne.

"It's with a heavy heart that I relinquish command," he said. "Being Gunfighter One has been the highlight of my career. It has been a privilege to serve alongside each of you."