Lt. Col. Tom Dixon has been appointed as the Commander of the 283rd Combat Communications Squadron replacing Lt. Col. Bill Day.

Dixon moves into the position of commander following more than a year as Deputy Commander of Dobbins 283rd. The official change of command ceremonies are scheduled for January 21, 2006.

According to Maj. Gen. Hammond, "Lt. Col. Dixon is one of Georgia's foremost experts when it comes to communications requirements and capabilities on the battlefield. This combined with his extensive knowledge of the 283rd's various strengths and weaknesses makes him the hands down choice to lead the unit." More

Lt. Col. Dixon is a 29-year veteran of the Air National Guard. Enlisting in 1976, Dixon went on to serve for two years as a aircraft maintenance technician and Crew Chief with the 49th and 479th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) at Holloman AFB, NM. In 1978, he was assigned to the 315th Organizational Maintenance Squadron (OMS) at Charlestown AFB, SC, and later to the 110th OMS in Battle Creek, MI.

Dixon was assigned to the 165th Airlift Wing of the GA ANG in Savannah for seven years, before attending AMS in Knoxville and receiving his commission. Dixon served for six years as Air Battle Management/Chief of Stan Eval for the 117th ACS in Savannah before assuming the position of Director of Operations 283rd CBCS in 1994 in Savannah and later Dobbins ARB.

Dixon received his Bachelor of Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and an associate degree in aircraft Maintenance Technology from the Community College of the AF. He is a graduate of Air Weapons Control /Air Battle Manger Schools as well as Basic Communication Officer training. He has completed Squadron Officers School and Air Command and Staff College.

In assuming Command, Lt Col Dixon said, "Over the past couple of years, the 283rd Combat Communications Squadron has been receiving new State-of-the-Art communications equipment. Our emphasis has been toward specialized training as we prepare to deploy our new enhanced capability to the field. My immediate goal, as we continue individualized training, will be to concentrate on increasing our deployment capability as an organization. My vision for the unit is to continue to grow the organization in capability while allowing opportunities for each member to grow professionally. I believe if our leadership continues to concentrate on individuals, the result will be a unit that emphasizes organizational success over personal validation."