Colonel, Mrs. Browne reflect on their time as Gunfighters

Published Feb. 3, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Brian Stives
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Sitting in his office in the wing headquarters, the commander of the 366th Fighter Wing reflected on the past 17 months of his command. He tried summing up all the accomplishments the wing achieved in less than a year and a half. He locked his fingers together, shot a quick glance at his wife and leaned forward to capture, in his words, his thoughts about serving as Gunfighter One. The realization that his time as a wing commander would soon end changed his demeanor. The look in his eyes conveyed a sense of sadness while his wife held back tears.

Col. James and Alison Browne will soon leave Mountain Home Air Force Base - a place they've called home since September 2007. Colonel Browne will give the Gunfighters a final salute during the wing change-of-command ceremony at 9 a.m. Feb. 11. He is heading for a new assignment in Washington D.C. as the director for Air Force colonel management at the Pentagon.

"Being assigned to the headquarters of the Air Force is a big responsibility, but it is with a heavy heart that I leave Mountain Home," said Colonel Browne. "But, like all Airmen, we do what is best for the Air Force. So in that way it is exciting."

Since Colonel Browne took command of the Gunfighters many things have set the 366th FW apart from other bases in Air Combat Command and the Air Force.

"The Gunfighters have earned numerous Air Combat Command and Air Force level awards since I have been here," said Colonel Browne. "They are across the board. From the wing staff, the medical group, the mission support group, maintenance and the operations group, Gunfighters have done a phenomenal job. And they have received well deserved recognition.

"Additionally, the wing passed a major operational readiness inspection (ORI)," said Colonel Browne. "What makes the inspection unique is that it was a combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 inspection, which is no small task. It tested our ability to deploy and employ combat airpower. And we were the first wing to pass an Air Combat Command combined ORI since 2005.

"The Republic of Singapore air force beddown of their F-15SG aircraft is another standout," said Colonel Browne. "It is an exciting time to have Singaporean airmen join our Gunfighter team.

"Most importantly, just like our fellow brothers- and sisters-in-arms, we have continued to deploy and redeploy our Gunfighters around the world to support the Global War on Terror - and that is a big deal," said Colonel Browne.

While those are all things Colonel Browne is happy to a part of as the wing commander, he personally achieved another milestone as a fighter pilot here at Mountain Home.

"This past month, I flew my three thousandth hour in the F-15," he said. "As I end my tour here, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to reach this goal."

Mrs. Browne reminisced about her time at Mountain Home and why it is especially tough to leave.

"Some things I will always remember are the graduations, promotion ceremonies, Heartlink, Operation Warm Heart, Air Force Appreciation Days and the cookie drives," she said. "Saying goodbye and welcoming home our Airmen from deployments is a highlight too.

"The community is just a warm and inviting place here," Mrs. Browne said. "It is unique here, because we are kind of remote, so we have developed a greater sense of family and have formed a very tight-knit community between the base and the town of Mountain Home."

Mrs. Browne also offered a bit of advice to new Gunfighters, "Embrace the town who is so willing to embrace us. They are so willing to have you, as a Gunfighter, come and partake in their activities and be part of their community. They really want us to do that here, and it is something I haven't seen anywhere else. It was really great to be here and be a part of that."

Colonel and Mrs. Browne both agree on the one thing they will miss the most about Mountain Home and that is the people.

"I will miss the Airmen and being part of the Gunfighter team," said Colonel Browne. "I will never forget the day I took command. My wife and I were sitting in the food court; we looked around and realized that the health, safety and welfare of everyone on this base are ultimately my responsibility. That is a big deal and I hope all Gunfighters know that we care about them each and every day.

"To be Gunfighter One is a great privilege and the highlight of my career, because Gunfighters were born in combat by innovative Airmen and to part of a unit with the motto, 'Fortune Favors the Bold,' is pretty cool," said Colonel Browne.

The Gunfighter legacy will continue in the hands of its incoming commander, Col. John Bird II.

"I will pass on to Colonel Bird to make sure the Gunfighters have the training, equipment and guidance they need to accomplish the mission. Take care of the Gunfighters and they will continue to excel," said Colonel Browne.

Finally, Colonel Browne said, "I will never forget our motto of 'Fortune Favors the Bold,' Gunfighters be Bold!"

Col Browne farewell

Col Browne farewell

Col Browne farewell

Col Browne farewell

Colonel, Mrs. Browne reflect on their time as Gunfighters

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