KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Brig. Gen. Otis C. Jones assumed dual roles as the 17th Department of the Air Force chief of safety and commander of Headquarters, Air Force Safety Center during an assumption of command ceremony here on August 28.
The assumption of command is a formal military ceremony that marks the official transfer of leadership responsibility and authority from one commanding officer to their successor, traditionally represented by the ceremonial passing of the unit's guidon. Acting Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus, presided over the ceremony.
Pleus reflected on the essential role Safety plays in readying our force for conflict.
"Brigadier General Otis Jones takes command in an era where the need for safety is growing," Pleus said. "The age of our platforms increases the risk of failure, the space domain is growing faster than ever, and Agile Combat Employment is inherently riskier than operations at established bases."
Jones, a 1995 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, took the helm from Maj. Gen. Sean M. Choquette who is now serving as the Vice Director for Operations, J-3, at the Pentagon. Jones will continue Choquette’s goal to integrate risk management concepts to enhance readiness and protect personnel from unnecessary risks across the full scope of training, exercises, and combat operations.
"Brig Gen Jones’ combination of safety, operational, and leadership experience makes him perfect for our integrated risk management approach," Pleus commended.
His career includes a variety of operational and staff positions, including command at the squadron, group and wing levels. He served previously as the chief of staff at the Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and as the commander, 86th Airlift Wing Commander at Ramstein. Jones is a command pilot with more than 3,200 flight hours in the T-37B, T-44A, C-130E, C-17A, C-130J, and C-12J, including over 260 combat hours.
Jones expressed his commitment to continuing the center's mission while acknowledging the significance of his dual appointment.
“I am deeply honored to assume command of the Air Force Safety Center with responsibilities as Chief of Safety for our Air and Space Forces,” said Jones. “This is a critical moment in time, no doubt, but the Safety Center can be the North Star that guides safe execution of combat operations across the entire enterprise. Our no-fail mission is not just a vital component of our Air and Space Force missions, rather, it is foundational to our nation’s defense.
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how the Department’s Safety program has preserved readiness and increased combat capability,” continued Jones. “It’s because you prioritize safeguarding people and preventing mishaps. Whether it’s through supporting Nuclear Surety initiatives, Interim Safety Boards, Safety Investigation Boards, or driving Integrating Risk and Readiness tasks across the Major Commands, it is crystal clear that this great team here at Kirtland executes at an extremely high level and often times without fanfare…but always without fail!”
In his new dual role, Jones will ensure the preservation of combat power through the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive aviation, space, weapons, and occupational safety initiatives. As chief of safety, he will advise senior leadership on safety policy and serve as the Department's primary advocate for safety culture. As commander of the Air Force Safety Center, he will direct research initiatives, oversee mishap investigations, and manage safety education programs that preserve readiness across all domains.
“The Air Force Safety Center is ultimately about people,” Pleus concluded. “Your work keeps Airmen and Guardians safe. We are in a dangerous business, but it should be no more dangerous than is necessary to win our nation’s wars.”
Additional information about Jones and his background is available in his official biography.