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Pope wing commander nominated for promotion

  • Published
WASHINGTON --  A reservist who enlisted in the Air Force in December 1973 has been nominated by the president for promotion to brigadier general.

Col. Merle D. Hart has commanded the 440th Airlift Wing since October 2004. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced the colonel's nomination for promotion on May 24.

Colonel Hart took command of the C-130 airlift wing when it was at General Mitchell International Airport Air Reserve Station, Wis. Four years ago, the Air Force Reserve Command unit relocated to Pope Air Force Base, N.C. On March 1, 2011, Pope AFB officially reverted to its former name and role as Fort Bragg's Pope Field.

Colonel Hart and the 440th AW are in charge of the airfield and the C-130s assigned to it. Their mission includes supporting Fort Bragg's 18th Airborne Corps.

The 440th AW commander was commissioned in October 1981. He is a master navigator with more than 6,000 flying hours.