Brig. Gen. Jesse T. Simmons Jr., a longtime Effingham County resident, has assumed command of the Georgia Air National Guard.

Brig. Gen. Simmons was promoted from colonel prior to Saturday’s ceremony, held at the Joint Air National Guard Base in Chatham County.

Following Simmons’ promotion, Maj. Gen. Thomas R. Moore relinquished command of the Georgia Air National Guard to Brig. Gen. Simmons. Maj. Gen. Moore retired after more than 30 years with the U.S. Air Force and the Georgia Air National Guard. Both Simmons and Moore had served as commander of the 165th Airlift Wing.

Brig. Gen. Simmons is a Chattanooga, Tenn., native. He received a Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan.

Simmons was nominated for his post by Brig. Gen. Joe Jarrard, the Georgia National Guard adjutant general.

“I consider it an honor and privilege to be selected as the next Assistant Adjutant General for Air,” Simmons said. “I am truly blessed to represent the men and women of the Georgia Air National Guard. They have proven themselves over and over again under fire in the most hostile environments.”