Des Moines, Iowa -- Col. Mark Chidley assumed command of the 132d Wing on January 6, 2018 at the 132d Wing in Des Moines, Iowa. His predecessor, Col. Shawn Ford, relinquished command after accepting a new position as the Adjutant General of Air for the Iowa Air National Guard. Ford served as the 132d Wing commander for two years.
The event was attended by congressional representatives and local media as well as hundreds of 132d Wing members and alumni. Chidley, who formerly served as the Vice Wing commander, is the 16th commander of the 132d Wing and the fourth commander in the last five years.
“132d members, I am very humbled and honored to be your wing commander,” said Chidley during his address to the wing. “This organization is only as good as the people in it; we are all of us a continuation of the success that stretches back 77 years.”
Chidley is also the first non-rated officer to lead the 132d Wing. Despite the historical significance of Chidley’s status as a commander, it is not something he or other Iowa Air National Guard leadership are focusing their time on. Regardless of his status, ANG leadership knew he was the right man for the job.
“It’s about leadership,” said Brig. Gen. Randy Greenwood, Chief of Staff of the IANG. “He’s the right person at the right time to take this organization forward.”
Chidley began his career as an intelligence officer in the 182d Air Support Operations Center, Illinois Air National Guard in 1991. He transferred to the 132d Fighter Wing, Iowa Air National Guard in 1997 where he continued to serve as an intelligence officer. He was selected as the full-time Senior Intelligence Officer in 2004. Chidley has since served as the Air National Guard Liaison to Air Combat Command Intelligence Director, Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, Mission Support Group commander, Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Group commander and Vice Wing commander prior to his current assignment.
“This is an outstanding wing and to be selected as its commander is an extraordinary honor,” said Chidley. “I accept the responsibilities that come with this position and I pledge to always do what is best for this organization.”