WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Col. Rick Mitchell, a seasoned A-10 pilot and familiar face around the 442d, has assumed the role of Deputy Wing Commander for the 442d Fighter Wing, effective August 2025. Mitchell brings a wealth of experience from various assignments, including previous service within the 442d, overseas deployments, and key leadership positions, to the role.
Mitchell began his career with the 442d Fighter Wing in 2005 as an A-10 pilot, quickly becoming an integral part of the team. After serving at other units, he rejoined the 442d in February 2014, further solidifying his commitment to the wing's mission. He was later promoted to O-6 and served as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) for Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), providing valuable expertise and continuity.
"I'm excited to be back with the 442d," Mitchell said. A strong proponent of Airmen development, Mitchell stated "The most rewarding aspect of leadership to me is when you've created an environment for your airmen and your team to be successful." He added, "I really enjoy helping the youngest Airman to the most senior officer... I enjoy finding a way to get them to where they want to go and what they want to do."
Before this assignment, Mitchell was an Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) to the chief of the Combat Operations Division in the 613th Air Operations Center at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Previous assignments include Osan Air Base, South Korea, and Moody Air Force Base, where he was a flight commander and assistant director of operations. After rejoining the 442nd as a reservist in 2014, Col. Mitchell was an evaluator pilot, director of operations and squadron commander of the 303rd Fighter Squadron, deputy operations group commander, and director of Wing XP.
As Deputy Wing Commander, Mitchell will be responsible for assisting the Wing Commander in leading the wing's mission to train and equip combat-ready A-10 Thunderbolt II pilots and support personnel for worldwide deployment. He will play a crucial role in ensuring the 442d maintains its readiness and continues to excel in supporting global operations.
Regarding his priorities for the wing, Mitchell emphasized the importance of communication and recognizing the contributions of the 442d's Airmen. "My job, I view, is to ensure that that message is projected to both military leadership channels and political channels as well, and then also to just the local population here in the area, because a lot of our Airmen are true citizen Airmen that live in the local area... and they've done these wonderful things for some of them, almost 30 years in this wing." He further emphasized the wing's readiness: "My job is to ensure that that message of success is projected, and then also to ensure that people know that this wing, based off its proven track record, particularly in combat, is adapt for change."
Mitchell acknowledged the challenges of balancing individual aspirations with the needs of the Air Force, a challenge he embraces. His appointment is expected to further strengthen the 442d's ability to execute its critical mission.