927th Operations Support Flight Receives New Commander

  • Published
  • By Capt. Shane Huff
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Lieutenant Colonel Erich C. Novak assumed command of the 927th Operations Support Flight Saturday.  The ceremony was presided by 927th Operations Group commander, Colonel Douglas Schwartz.  

Novak graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1989 where he received a bachelor of science degree in economics.  Upon graduation he was assigned to Laughlin Air Force Base, TX for undergraduate pilot training. 

Novak is a command pilot with over 6,000 hours in the KC-135, KC-10, T-37, T-38, B737, B757, B767, and Be76 aircraft.  During his Air Force career he has served as squadron Chief Pilot, Deployed Director of Operations, Chief of Training, Flight Safety Officer, Chief of Scheduling, and Chief of Tanker Operations. Most recently Novak was a flight commander assigned to the 79th Air Refueling Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., before his selection to the 927th Air Refueling Wing.   

The Operations Support Flight is designated to support all functions, programs, and unforeseen requirements needed by the Operations Group and the Operations Squadron. Lieutenant Colonel Novak will be responsible for the development, teaching, and planning of tactics for the wing as well as monitoring, directing, and scheduling of flying and training.  The Support Flight also conducts flying mission development and supports the wing, groups, squadrons for operational planning concerning deployments, exercises, and inspections.  In addition, it augments the active duty wing in the life support, HARM, SARM, crew communications disciplines, and supports the Operations Group in the support of and oversight of the Intelligence flight.