In this latest episode of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with one of the U.S. Air Force’s most experienced and influential leaders — Colonel Jason Herring, outgoing Commander of the 621st Contingency Response Wing, better known as America’s “911 Wing.”
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Who Is Colonel Jason Herring?
Colonel Herring recently concluded his command of the 621st Contingency Response Wing (CRW), the U.S. Air Force’s only wing specifically trained and equipped to rapidly deploy, open airbases, and respond to global emergencies. With 26 years of service, Jason’s leadership journey has spanned combat operations as a C-130 pilot, strategic irregular warfare roles at the Pentagon, and ultimately, leading the Air Force’s most agile crisis response unit.
The 621st CRW operates as the USAF’s “911 Wing” — a rapid deployment force capable of establishing fully operational airbases in some of the world’s most volatile and unpredictable environments. Their mission is clear: turn chaos into order and ensure global mobility under even the most extreme conditions.
What Did We Cover in This Episode?
This episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at one of the Air Force’s most critical and often undisclosed missions — contingency response. Colonel Herring pulls back the curtain on what it takes to rapidly open airbases, integrate with joint forces, and operate in unknown, high-threat environments across the globe.
Topics explored include:
✔️ The logistics and mindset behind airbase openings in crisis zones
✔️ How the Air Force rapidly deploys to unstable regions worldwide
✔️ Jason’s leadership lessons from over two decades of military service
✔️ Building resilient, adaptable teams ready for uncertainty
✔️ Developing future leaders for the Air Force and beyond
✔️ How teamwork, innovation, and communication drive mission success
Jason also reflects on the evolution of air mobility, how the military prepares for the unexpected, and why building leaders who can operate independently is vital for future conflicts.
“It’s not about knowing exactly how every mission will unfold — it’s about building teams and mindsets that adapt and overcome, no matter the situation.” — Col. Jason Herring
Key Takeaways for Leaders & High Performers
While this episode offers exclusive military insights, the lessons go far beyond the battlefield. Whether you’re in business, leadership, or personal development, Jason’s approach to resilience, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure can transform how you tackle challenges.
His message is clear:
✅ Embrace uncertainty — You won’t always have a perfect plan. Adapt.
✅ Empower your people — Great leaders build other leaders, not followers.
✅ Resilience starts before deployment — Train mentally, physically, and emotionally.
✅ Turn chaos into order — Whether building airbases or leading teams, structure and mindset win.
Why You Should Tune In
If you’ve ever wondered how the U.S. Air Force operates at the cutting edge of global mobility and crisis response, this is your inside look. From combat flying to strategic planning and building one of the most capable rapid response forces in the world — Jason Herring has done it all.
This episode isn’t just for aviation enthusiasts or military fans. It’s for anyone who wants to:
🔥 Learn how elite teams operate under extreme pressure
🔥 Discover leadership strategies for high-stakes environments
🔥 Understand the mindset behind rapid, adaptable decision-making
🔥 Hear real-world experiences from the frontlines of crisis response
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More Aviation, Leadership & Military Content
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t miss these other high-profile guests from the Talk4 Podcast:
✅ Col. Trevor “Phantom” Merrell | MQ-9 Reaper Global Ops | EP153
✅ Gen. Thomas Bussiere | Global Strike Command | EP151
✅ Col. Beaker Wickert | 412th Test Wing Commander | EP147
✅ Col. Nathan “Sheik” Malafa | USAF Thunderbirds | EP150
Final Thoughts
Colonel Jason Herring’s career exemplifies what it means to lead in the unknown, build elite teams, and respond when the world needs it most. His leadership philosophy and operational insights provide lessons not only for military professionals but for anyone striving to succeed under pressure.
For more inspiring leadership conversations and behind-the-scenes access to some of the world’s most elite military and aviation professionals, subscribe to the Talk4 Podcast on your preferred platform.
🎧 Listen Now on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/74Z0lJuYIOGit1sICBli8e?si=1a5ed4099a5947c5
🎥 Watch on YouTube:
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https://louisskupien.com/pages/the-talk4-podcast-with-louis-skupien
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