Col. Taylor Alan Blevins is commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina. He is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the largest operational F-16 wing in the Air National Guard while maintaining a 2,400-acre federal military installation and providing 24/7 Air Sovereignty for the Southeast United States. He is responsible for the care, morale, and welfare of 1,500 Airmen and civilian personnel, including almost 100 active-duty Airmen assigned in an Active Association construct. McEntire JNGB is the host to five South Carolina Army National Guard tenant units and more than 2,500 Soldiers, including South Carolina’s largest Army National Guard flying operation.
Col. Blevins received his commission as a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. Prior to joining the Air National Guard, he served 12 years on Active Duty as a weapons officer, instructor pilot, and flight commander in ACC, PACAF, USAFE, and at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School. He is a command pilot and highly experienced F-16 instructor pilot, flight examiner, and mission commander with more than 2,300 flying hours in the F-16.
Col. Blevins has flown more than 325 hours in combat and has flown combat missions in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, and SPARTAN SHIELD. He previously served in various staff and supervisory capacities at the squadron and wing levels within the 169th Fighter Wing. Prior to his current position, Col Blevins served as commander of the 169th Operations Group, McEntire JNGB, South Carolina.