647th ABG change of command

  • Published
  • By David Underwood
  • Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --  The 647th Air Base Group held a change of command ceremony May 31 at the Missing Man Formation on Hickam Field.

Col. David A. Kirkendall assumed command of the 647th ABG from Col. Dann S. Carlson.

"Here at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, our two services work together in concert to provide a resilient combat ready force, ready to defend our nation and our allies in the Pacific," said Col. Johnny Roscoe, Commander, 15th Wing, who presided over the ceremony. "And bridging the gap between the Air Force and Navy are the proud men and women of the 647th Air Base Group."

Capt. Jeffrey James, Commander, JBPHH thanked Col. Carson for his support and friendship during his command. "You've earned my deepest respect," said James. "You've truly earned your recognition as a shipmate."

During the ceremony, Carlson was presented the Legion of Merit for his outstanding service and accomplishments as commander to the 647th ABG.

Carlson thanked the Department of Education, the PACAF staff, tenant units, the Hawaii Air National Guard, the 15th Wing, and the Airmen and Sailors of JBPHH.

Kirkendall comes to the 647th from Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, where he served as the Chief of the Combat Operations Division, 612th Air and Space Operations Center, and was responsible for the execution of Air Operations throughout the U.S. Southern Command theater.

As the new ABG commander, Kirkendall will lead nearly 900 personnel and six squadrons to provide mission support for base, theater, and global air and joint operations. He will also serve as the Deputy Commander, JBPHH, where he will assist the Joint Base commander with managing more than 50 installation support functions that provide support to more than 38,000 personnel and families.

"I'm just excited to be here," said Kirkendall. "It's incredible to be a part of this Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam team. We are looking forward to serving alongside, supporting our Force and Fleet, our war fighters as we send them out the door to do the mission, and of course taking care of our families, our extended families, and working with our local partners in the community."