Col. Steve Smart assumed command of the Kansas Air National Guard’s 184th Wing during a change of command ceremony at McConnell Air Force Base March 4, 2023.
Col. Jason Knobbe has commanded the 184th Wing since April 2020.
“There have been multiple challenges to contend with,” said Knobbe. “As my colleague Colonel Nate Vogel says, ‘You don’t get to pick your challenges,’ and trust me,
some of the challenges over the last three years I would never have picked. The highs have been high, and the lows have been low.”
“We worked through these challenges together and, hopefully, our wing is stronger for it,” said Knobbe.
Smart transferred to the 184th Wing from the active-duty Air Force in 2016 as the judge advocate for the 184th Cyberspace Operations Group. He assumed command of the 184th Mission Support Group in 2019 and became the vice commander of the 184th Wing in 2020.
Smart recognized that the nation still faces significant challenges, but despite the challenges, Smart remains optimistic.
“While the national security landscape would seem bleak, it is not,” said Smart. “The Airmen of the 184th Wing stand as part of a strong and powerful deterrent to all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
“It is our collective vision to be the premier multi-mission wing in the Air National Guard,” said Smart. “Our focus areas will continue to be mission-ready Airmen, domestic operations, and strength through connections and partnerships.”
Smart ensured the wing that he’ll give his best effort all the time, and that he’ll collaborate with wing leaders to make decisions that are in the best interest of the Air Force.
“What do I expect from you?” Smart asked. “Continue to focus on the mission; take care of each other; be professional always, including military customs and courtesies; treat other people like you want to be treated. If you don’t remember anything else… just work hard and be nice.”