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Next Mississippi Wing Commander Announced
Col.(-select) Gary Hornosky is the next commander of CAP’s Mississippi Wing, Col. Jeffery Garrett, Southeast Region commander, has announced.
A formal change of command ceremony is set for May 18 at the wing conference in Jackson, with Hornosky succeeding Col. Robert P. Mims, wing commander since May 2021.
“Lt. Col. Hornosky's military and civilian experience, combined with his tremendous work over the last 20-plus years in the Mississippi Wing, have him in a perfect position to assume command of the wing,” Garrett said. “He will continue the traditions of excellence that the Mississippi Wing has become accustomed to.”
Hornosky’s CAP career has spanned 42 years in the Mississippi and Louisiana wings. He most recently served as Mississippi Wing director of operations from 2017-2023. Before that, he served as the wing’s disaster relief officer from 2013-2017 and director of emergency services from 2015-2017.
He is the wing’s resident expert in emergency services, often serving as an incident commander and mission check pilot.
Hornosky has been active in CAP since November 1982, when he joined the Louisiana Wing shortly after earning his private pilot’s certificate. He transferred to the Mississippi Wing in 2000 after moving to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
He was one of the founding members of the wing’s Diamondhead Senior Squadron and commanded it from 2003-2011, 2011-2013, and 2020-2022. He also served as the squadron’s education and training officer from 2013-2014 and public affairs officer from 2013-2018.
He has also served on the wing’s and squadron’s finance committees since 2013.
“It is with great pride and commitment that I continue my service to CAP and the Mississippi Wing as commander,” Hornosky said. “I will utilize all my abilities and experience to lead the patriots of the Mississippi Wing to fulfill and exceed all that they are called on to perform.”
Hornosky’s military experience includes 30 years in the Air Force Reserve Command — eight as an aircraft loadmaster/instructor, eight on the maintenance squadron staff as a logistics specialist, 11 years as a first sergeant, and three years as the command chief master sergeant of the 926th Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans before it deactivated in 2006.
He has received the Air Force Meritorious Service Award, as well as the South Vietnam service ribbon and Southeast service ribbon for his tour during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Hornosky’s civilian career includes 37 years with BellSouth and AT&T in telecommunications.