Wing commander to get first star

Col. Charles Shugg, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home AFB, has been nominated by the president for appointment to the grade of brigadier general, United States Air Force.

The nomination, made late Friday afternoon, but now be approved by the United States Senate. There was no immediate work on how quickly Shugg's nomination, along with several others being nominated to flag rank in the various service, will be taken up by the Senate.

Shugg assumed command of the 366th Wing in June 2004, replacing Col. Blair Hansen, who went on to command allied air forces in Iraq.

Shugg is getting near the end of his tour at the base, which typically runs 18-24 months for a commander, but so far there have been no announced moves to replace him. During Shugg's tour at MHAFB he has seen a large number of his forces deploy, usually in small groups, to operations around the world, usually in the Mideast.

Shugg came here after serving as Director of Operations, J3, Headquarters United States Forces Japan. In that capacity he was responsible for the planning and execution of joint and bilateral ground, air and maritime combat training, exercises and mutual security planning between U.S. Forces, Japan Self Defense Force, Japan Defense Agency and the Government of Japan.

Col. Shugg received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1980 and earned his wings at Reese Air Force Base, Texas, in 1981. His previous flying duties include being an OV-10 Forward Air Controller, F-15C RTU Instructor Pilot and assignments in various operational F-15C units.

He has commanded at flight, squadron and group levels and is a graduate of the USAF Fighter Weapons School. His staff duties include the Chief of Air-to Air Strategy, CHECKMATE Division, Headquarters United States Air Force, and Director of Operations, J3, United States Forces, Japan.

He is married to the former Susie Pioletti of Pinckneyville, Ill. They have two sons, Richard, and Jonathan.