STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- During an assumption of command ceremony here Oct. 18, Col. Scott Harron took command of the 193rd Air Operations Group, a unit of the wing located near the airport in State College. Harron is preceded by Col. Julie Curlin, who now serves as the 193rd Special Operations Group commander at the wing’s headquarters in Middletown, Pa.
As commander of the AOG, Harron is responsible for leading more than 100 officers and enlisted members as they perform various command and control functions as part of the unit’s air operations mission.
“Scott is the absolute perfect person for this position. His intel experience and track record of deployments is nothing short of impressive,” said Col. Terrence Koudelka, 193rd Special Operations Wing commander.
Before taking on the role as AOG commander, Harron served as the 25th Air Force Inspector General, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio, and as Inspection Team Chief at Air Combat Command headquarters. He also served as commander of the 152nd Air Intelligence Squadron at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Mattydale, N.Y.
As commander of the 152nd AIS, Harron was responsible for leading and directing all unit intelligence personnel and functions in support of air operations center operations. He developed and assigned all subordinate officers and non-commissioned officers in each of the intelligence teams within the squadron. He also acted as chief of the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance division, managing all intelligence functions within the air operations center when deployed in a wartime role.
Harron spent 16 years as an enlisted troop before commissioning as an officer. He has deployed in support of Operations Noble Eagle, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Odyssey Dawn.
During his speech at the assumption of command ceremony, Herron said he is thrilled to be part of the 193rd Special Operations Wing and Air Operations Group. He looks forward to serving alongside the stellar men and women of the AOG and continuing the great work they’re doing all over the world.
He offered insight on his priorities and expectations for the AOG at an all-call - a meeting with all troops at the unit – Oct. 19.
“Although I have an open-door policy, I want you to know I’m a big believer in the chain of command,” Harron said. “I am empowering the squadron commanders and non-commissioned officers to make decisions at their levels. I want you to take action when action is required.”
“We are command and control; we make decisions,” he added.