Change of command celebrates new 192nd SCMS Commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Meghan Skrepenski
  • 192nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. --  Lt. Col. David W. Bennett, incoming commander of the SCMS assumed command from Maj. Mark W. Widener, now the inspector general for the Virginia Air National Guard.

The mission of the SCMS is fundamental and affects not only the squadrons and groups of the Virginia Air National Guard but the Active Duty Air Force as well, said Widener.

"Lt. Col. Bennett has a tremendous amount of deployed experience, knows how important the supply chain is and will make a great organization even better," said Widener. 

"It's been a true honor and privilege to be the [SCMS] commander. I've truly enjoyed my time with you, and I'm thankful for the wisdom, patience, guidance and example you've given me," he said.

"The airmen of the 192nd SCMS have accomplished great things under the leadership of Major Widener. We look forward to continued success for the squadron under the command of Lt. Col. Bennett and we wish him well as he undertakes this new challenge," said Col. Jeffrey L. Ryan, 192nd Mission Support Group commander.

Bennett is the former Director of Communications, J6 for the Virginia National Guard Joint Staff, where he was responsible for planning and executing contingency communication operations and advising the State Adjutant General on emergency communications.

He commissioned in March 1990 and was promoted to Lt. Col. in Oct. 2008. Bennett has served in the Virginia Air National Guard for over six years and has deployed as an Air Battle Manager multiple times to operations: Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Deliberate Guard, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

"I look forward to commanding the SCMS and working with the Airmen here as they build on the fine warfighter traditions which have been imparted into the squadron throughout their time with Maj. Widener as their commander," said Lt. Col. David W. Bennett.  "I know that I am working with a quality group of Airmen who will always give their best to benefit the Air National Guard mission."