EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. — Col. Jay R. “Evil” Spohn relinquished command of the 188th Wing to Col. Jonathan E. “Brute” Esparza during a formal change of command ceremony held here on Jan. 30, 2026.
The ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Matthew M. Groves, Assistant Adjutant General for Air at Arkansas Joint Force Headquarters, and attended by Ebbing Airmen, former wing members, and state and local dignitaries. The event marked a significant leadership transition for a wing supporting an expanding mission set at Ebbing Air National Guard Base.
Spohn commanded the 188th Wing since 2024, leading the unit through a period of historic growth and operational success. Under his leadership, the 184th Attack Squadron was recognized nationally as the U.S. Air Force’s top operations squadron. The wing also earned an “Effective” rating during its inaugural Combat Readiness Inspection and successfully hosted the first-of-its-kind active-duty Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mission on an Air National Guard installation.
“It has truly been an honor to return and lead the Flying Razorbacks for a second chapter in my career,” said Spohn. “Seeing the incredible progress and transformation of this wing since my previous assignment here has been nothing short of amazing. The unwavering dedication of our Airmen continue to set the standard, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Col. Spohn will now serve as the Director of Operations, for the Arkansas Air National Guard.
Esparza, a Texas native, received his commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Texas at San Antonio. A seasoned pilot, he has accumulated more than 2,800 flight hours in the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, F-15 Eagle, T-38 Talon, and T-34 Mentor.
Throughout his career, Esparza has served in a variety of leadership roles, including mission commander, flight instructor, director of operations, and commander of the 185th Cyberspace Operations Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
With years of leadership experience across multiple mission areas, Esparza said he is prepared to carry forward the wing’s momentum.
“I am deeply honored and energized to take command of the Flying Razorbacks at such a defining moment in our Wing’s history,” said Esparza. “We stand on the exceptional foundation built by Col. Spohn and this remarkable team, ready to meet the challenges of an accelerating operational tempo and expanded missions like FMS.”
The Arkansas Air National Guard’s 188th Wing, based at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Ark., is home to more than 1,000 Airmen who deliver airpower across multiple mission areas. The wing operates the MQ-9A Reaper, conducts intelligence analysis and targeting, provides expeditionary medical capabilities, and delivers full-spectrum mission support. Additionally, the wing hosts the F-35 Foreign Military Sales Formal Training Unit, strengthening international partnerships and contributing directly to national defense.
“Your dedication inspires me daily,” Esparza said. “Together, we will continue to accomplish great things while making a significant impact for our Air Force and the nation.”