116th ASOS Gets A New Commander

Story by Maj Herb Porter - Photos courtesy 116th ASOS

Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Rehwaldt, during a recent change of command ceremony
    

The 116th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), Tacoma, WA, installed as its new commander an Air Force Academy graduate, Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Rehwaldt, during a recent change of command ceremony. He replaced outgoing commander, Lieutenant Colonel Rodney M. Skaar, who retired in November.

Lieutenant Colonel Rehwaldt assumed command of the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron (or ASOS), replacing retiring commander Lieutenant Colonel Rodney M. Skaar.  Lieutenant Colonel Rehwaldt was born in El Paso, TX and was a graduate of the Air Force Academy.  He was assigned initially to the 337th Bomb Squadron (BMS) at Dyess AFB in Abilene, TX, where he served as a pilot on B-52D/H bombers.  Lieutenant Colonel Rehwaldt was then selected for an exchange tour with the Tactical Air Command, where he converted to flying F-15 C/D fighter aircraft.  He was later reassigned to the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, VA.

In 1988, as a member of the 27th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Rehwaldt was instrumental in helping the unit during a highly successful Operational Readiness Inspection.  He later became an F-15 Instructor Pilot.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Rehwaldt, during a recent change of command ceremony

After separating from active duty in 1962 he joined the Air National Guard as a Fighter Duty Officer in the 111th Air Support Operations Center Squadron (ASOC).  In 1996 he transferred to the 116th ASOS, where he initially served as an Air Liaison Officer.  A short time later he was appointed Director of Logistics for the unit.

Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Rehwaldt, during a recent change of command ceremony

In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Rehwaldt served as an Admissions Officer for the Air Force Academy, together with Lieutenant Colonel Skaar.   In his civilian capacity, Lieutenant Colonel Rehwaldt is employed as a commercial airline pilot.

The mission of the 116th ASOS is to deploy with and advise Army ground force commanders in the use of Close Air Support and Tactical Airlift Assets.  Its coordination is vital in accomplishing the Army’s mission.   In addition, the unit is tasked to assist the state during times of natural disasters and civil unrest.  The 116th ASOS is currently aligned with both Light Infantry and Mechanized units, providing them with Tactical Air Control Parties (TACPs).

These highly trained professionals are responsible for providing the close coordination between Army and Air Force units required making the air-land battle happen. The Korean and Vietnam War were the initial test beds for such inter-service cooperation.

Later such operations as those in Grenada and Panama provided the opportunity to perfect these skills, and by the time of the Persian Gulf War, the American Military was well versed in this type of joint-force combat.