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| Units > 107th Wing Commander |
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COLONEL JIM S. MCCREADY, JR.
Col. Jim S. McCready, Jr. is the Commander of the 107th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, Niagara Falls, New York. He commands four groups, encompassing Operations, Maintenance, Medical and Mission Support functions. Col. McCready is responsible for the deployment and employment of assigned personnel and equipment to ensure these assets are available to support all state and national requirements.
Col. McCready is a graduate of East Aurora High School, East Aurora, NY. He earned his commission in 1980 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He attended Undergraduate Navigator Training at Mather Air Force Base, California, receiving his wings in May 1981. His first assignment was in the KC-135A with the 91st Air Refueling Squadron then later the 384th ARS, both at McConnell AFB, Kansas. In 1986 Col. McCready was assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan. A member of the lead instructor crew, he established the 376th Strategic Wing's initial low-level air refueling and radio silent mission profile tactics during COPE THUNDER, at Clark Air Base, Philippines. As the Chief, Current Operations Branch, 3rd Air Division, Hickam AFB Hawaii, Col. McCready was responsible for all refueling assets in the Pacific theater. Additionally, he was the lead tanker planner for exercises throughout the Pacific to include TEAM SPIRIT, PITCH BLACK, COBRA GOLD, and COPE THUNDER. During operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, Col. McCready tasked and was responsible for over 1000 sorties providing logistical support to Diego Garcia. Prior to becoming the Commander, Col. McCready was the 107AW Vice Commander, the 107 AW Operations Group Commander, the 136th Air Refueling Squadron Commander, the 107ARW Operations Support Flight Commander, and the Chief of Scheduling/Current Operations. He has deployed as the Operations Officer for operations ENDURING FREEDOM, DECISIVE ENDEAVOR (3 times) and NORTHERN WATCH (2 times). Most recently, Col. McCready deployed as the Operations Group Commander for the 487th Air Expeditionary Wing during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He is a Master Navigator with over 3,000 flying hours.
EDUCATION:
1980 Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Grove City College, PA
1986 Squadron Officers School
1992 Master of Science in Community Services from Michigan State University, MI
1998 Air Command and Staff College
2005 Air War College
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. 1980-1981, Undergraduate Navigator Training
2. 1981-1986, KC-135A/R Navigator, 91st Air Refueling Squadron, McConnell AFB, Kansas
3. 1986-1987, Instructor Navigator, 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena AB, Japan
4. Jul 86 - Feb 90, Chief of Tanker Scheduling Branch, 376th Strategic Wing, Kadena AB, Japan
5. Feb 90 - Mar 92, Chief, Current Operation Branch, 3RD Air Division, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
6. Mar 92 - Aug 92, Chief, Pacific Tanker Plans, HQ Pacific Air Force, Hickam AFB, Hawaii
6. Sep 93 - Apr 94, Instructor/Evaluator Navigator, 107th Air Refueling Wing, Niagara Falls, NY
7. Apr 94 - Sep 99, Chief of Scheduling and Current Operations, 107th ARW, Niagara Falls, NY
8. Sep 99 - Jun 03, Operations Support Flight Commander, 107th ARW, Niagara Falls, NY
9. Jun 03 - Jul 05, 136th Air Refueling Squadron Commander, 107th ARW, Niagara Falls, NY
10. Jul 05 - Jul 06, Vice Commander, 107th ARW, Niagara Falls, NY
11. Jul 06 - Jan 09, Operations Group Commander, 107th AW, Niagara Falls, NY
12. Jan 09 - Jan. 11, Vice Commander, 107th AW, Niagara Falls, NY
13. Jan. 11- Present, Commander, 107th AW, Niagara Falls, NY
FLIGHT INFORMATION:
Rating: Master Navigator
Flight Hours: Over 3,000
Aircraft Flown: KC-135A/R/Q, C-130E/H2
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal (1 device)
Air Force Outstanding Unit with Valor Ribbon (2 devices)
Combat Readiness Medal (4 devices)
National Defense Service Medal (1 device)
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Air Force Overseas Service Ribbon - Short
Air Force Training Ribbon
Air Force Longevity Service Award (4 devices) S
Small Arms Expert Ribbon
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
New York State Defense of Liberty Medal
New York Long and Faithful Service Award (1 device)
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION:
Second Lieutenant 17 May 80
First Lieutenant 13 Oct 82
Captain 13 Oct 84
Major 17 May 94
Lieutenant Colonel 24 Jul 98
Colonel 27 Apr 06
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