Mannon takes command of 82nd TRW

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Brig. Gen. O.G. Mannon spent most of his career in the operational Air Force, including the processing of four multi-million dollar reward payouts for information leading to the capture of high-value individuals during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Now the 28-year Air Force officer has brought his experiences to Air Education and Training Command's largest technical training installation as the 82nd Training Wing commander. General Mannon replaced outgoing Commander Brig. Gen. Richard Devereaux July 17 during a ceremony at the base parade grounds.

Maj. Gen. Alfred Flowers, commander of 2nd Air Force, officiated the ceremony.

General Mannon most recently served as the Deputy Director for Special Operations, Joint Staff, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He and his staff provided recommendations for use of various special operations worldwide.

Because of his knowledge of operations, he said the success of global engagements depend on the skilled Airmen produced at Sheppard.

"Your journey so far has been a short one," General Mannon told Airmen in Training at the ceremony. "But we need your expertise to win the war."

He also acknowledged the skilled instructors ensuring the capabilities and successes of technical career fields continue.

"Thank you for your service," he said. "(Our Airmen) couldn't be trained to do their job without your service. We are excited to get to know you."

His experiences range from being a special operations pilot in the 1980s to taking staff and command positions across the globe.

The general is also no stranger to protecting the nation's borders. While at the Pentagon, General Mannon led the charge on revisions to two counter terrorism documents that required National Security Council Approval. They were the first changes since 9/11 and changed the way the fight is taken to the enemy.

General Flowers encouraged General Mannon to continue the path his predecessor walked during his tenure at Sheppard.

"Take care of your mission, take care of your Airmen, take care of your family and nourish the great community relations you have here at Sheppard," he said. "Continue to lead and follow the lead of the Devereauxs."

Although General Devereaux might be leaving Sheppard, his presence will still be felt as the Director of Intelligence and Air, Space and Information Operations at Air Education and Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. But it will be hard for the general to match his accomplishments that will benefit Sheppard for years to come.

"This has been the most rewarding, the most fulfilling and the most challenging job I've had in the U.S. Air Force," General Devereaux said. "It is a job I will always remember."

Sheppard saw technological advances in the classroom to make the installation "technically the best," one of the general's goals when he arrived in August 2006. Another goal, and perhaps his most important, was to provide a safe and secure installation for all Airmen.

Quality-of-life issues were important, too, as seen with his initiative to get Airmen involved in activities on the weekend instead of sitting in dormitories. The Warrior Weekend Challenge provided opportunities to Airmen to be interactive and competitive, while also volunteering their time.

"I am glad this community is the first community our Airmen experience after putting on the uniform," the general said.

Another significant accomplishment under General Devereaux's watch was leading Sheppard to more than 180-straight days without a driving under the influence violation. Sheppard DUIs were reduced by 40 percent, the best mark in AETC during his tenure as 82nd TRW commander.