DeHaes assumes command of the 132nd Fighter Wing

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Todd D, Moomaw
  • 132FW/PA
The 132nd Fighter Wing held its twelfth change of command, Saturday, May 1. Colonel Mark Hammond transferred command to Colonel William DeHaes in a ceremony held at the 132nd Fighter Wing, Iowa National Guard, Des Moines ANGB. Distinguished guests included Congressman Leonard Boswell, Brig. Gen. Tim Orr, The Adjutant General for Iowa. Brig. Gen. Gregory Schwab, Assistant Adjutant General, Air Component, Iowa National Guard acted as presiding offical for the event.

Congressman Leonard Boswell was the first to speak, and had kind words to say about the Wing, "Every man and woman in this unit is so important, and you make us proud. And I'm very proud of Col. Hammond and his accomplishments as commander, and I know that Col. DeHaes is going to come on and carry on the great tradition that's been established here"

Before he turned over command of the Wing Col. Hammond said, "I am blessed and humbled beyond measure to have worked shoulder to shoulder with you as Wing Commander. Thanks for letting me be in formation with you."

After taking control of the Wing Col. DeHaes stated, "I commit to you work tirelessly to ensure the continued success of this wing in all endeavors. We stand ready as a joint partner with the other outstanding Iowa National Guard units. I'd like to say it is my distinct honor to serve with you, the exceptional Airmen of the 132nd Fighter Wing. I will look forward to the opportunity to be your commander, and I cannot wait to begin the next chapter in the storied history of the 132nd Fighter Wing."

Col. DeHaes joined the Air Force in 1988 and served at Sheppard AFB, TX. as a first assignment instructor pilot. During his next tour, he was F-16 Chief of Wing Safety at Aviano, Air Base Italy. Colonel De Haes joined the 132nd Fighter Wing in June of 1998 serving as an F16 pilot, Mission Commander, Flight Commander, Operations Group Commander and Vice Wing Commander. Colonel De Haes also served as Deputy Operations Group Commander, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group. Balad Air Base Iraq, from September 2009 until January 2010. Col. DeHaes is a Command Pilot with over 3,300 + flying hour in the T-37B, T-38A, AT-38B, F-16C/D, F-16CG/DG and has flown operational missions in support of Operation Deny Flight, Deliberate Force, Sliver Wake, Noble Eagle, Northern Watch and Iraqi Freedom.