New commander takes charge of the 730th AMTS

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jeremy Wentworth
  • 97 AMW/PA

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Douglas Jeffrey assumed command of the 730th Air Mobility Training Squadron at Altus AFB, Oct 19, 2018.

While the 730th AMTS is located on Altus AFB and operates under the direction of the 97th Air Mobility Wing, the squadron is assigned to the 507th Operations Group at Tinker AFB.

The 730th AMTS augments with the 97th Operations Group in order to help train future loadmasters, boom operators and pilots on the KC-135 Stratotanker, C-17 Globemaster III and the incoming KC-46 Pegasus.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kenneth L. Humphrey, Commander of the 507th OG, attended the event to pass the guidon to Jeffrey. A symbol of authority and command, the passing of the guidon is a tradition that commemorates a change in command.

“Seeing how many people came out to witness this is just awesome,” said Humphrey. “In order to keep people in the reserves or even active duty, you need to bring in the right people. I have no doubt that the 730th is filled with the right people.”

The history of the 730th AMTS dates back to the inception of the Air Force.

“The 730th has been in the Air Force since World War II,” said Jeffery. “If you can think of a major battle, the 730th was there. Now, we train those airmen who go out there and fly. Altus AFB has the best C-17 and KC-135 Pilots, loadmasters and boom operators. At any given time in Altus, you’re in the room with the finest in the world at those things. That’s amazing.”

In addition to being a new commander, Jeffrey is a pilot on the only KC-135 Demonstration Team in the Air Force.

“We train the Airmen that go out there and fly,” said Jeffrey. “We have an important job to do. We’re the ones who make these students the best.”