PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- With 7 deployments, 14 assignments and 4,200 flight hours under his belt since the 1990s, Col. Ian V. Chase, takes on another challenge as the 920th Rescue Wing’s newest vice commander.
Chase, who joined the 920th Rescue Wing August 5, 2017, brings with him a working knowledge of special operations and more than 400 flight hours of experience in combat.
“I’m here to help Col. Matthews (920th RQW Commander) get things get done,” Chase said. “I’m here to help the wing achieve its goals and be an advocate for the unit. I intend on encouraging good order and discipline as well as a positive working environment for our Citizen Airmen.”
Chase earned his commission in 1989 after graduating from North Carolina State University and was assigned to the 20th Airlift Squadron, Charleston AFB, South Carolina, as a navigator. After upgrading to evaluator navigator, he flew as a radar navigator, mission commander, and special operations planner in a special operations program, eventually transitioning to the Air Force Reserve in 1997 with the 711th Special Operations Squadron, Duke Field, Florida.
“My family has a long history of military service,” Chase said. “My dad never talked to me about joining, but I was around the environment my whole life so it was a natural decision to serve.”
Chase went on to serve as chief, Program Strategy Division, U.S. Special Operations Command; and chief, Force Structure Branch, Air Force Special Operations Command. Before joining the 920th RQW, he was the individual mobilization augmentee to the Director of Air, Space and Information Operations, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins AFB, Georgia.
"Col Chase has already proven to be a valuable member of the 920th Rescue Wing,” said 920th RQW Commander Col. Kurt Matthews. “I personally worked with him while in Air Force Special Operations Command and have watched him achieve great things. His combat-tested leadership and can-do attitude are attributes that will serve the wing well as we move to new heights. I am grateful and excited that he is on our leadership team!"
“It’s been a long time since I have been with an operational unit,” Chase said. “It’s always awesome to work with a unit that has a hands on mission like the 920th because you get to witness the fruits of your labor first hand.”
Having an extensive career in mostly southern coastal regions, Chase said he has a love for the beach and the outdoors. In his spare time, Chase enjoys fishing, boating and paddle boarding with his family; sometimes opting for a run with his dog.
“I love our pets,” Chase said. “But, if it was up to my daughter she would fill the house with them and it would be a zoo.”
“The most important thing to me is spending time with my daughters,” Chase said. “You know, when you go off to college you don’t come home as often as your parents would like.”
As he navigates his life as a Reserve Citizen Airman, Chase wants to ensure he removes any and all roadblocks affecting the unit at the individual level.
As the second in command at the 920th RQW, Chase will work with Matthews and others to ensure that standards are maintained and deadlines are met. He brings with him a wide range of skills and experiences that he says will help him assisting in leading the unit.