Col. David Berkland transferred command of the 354th fighter wing to Col. Paul Townsend.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska - After 3 years of command in the last frontier, Col. David J. Berkland transferred command of Eielson Air Force Base to Col. Paul P. Townsend.
The ceremony was presided by Lt. Gen. David S. Nahom of the United States Air Force. When speaking to the audience, Nahom commended Col. Berkland on his accomplishments while in command of the 354th fighter wing. “During Ajax’s command, he doubled the number of F-35s, fifth-generation aircraft here in Alaska, bedding down 54 aircraft and over 500 additional airmen into the base,” Nahom said.
When Col. Berkland spoke to the attending crowd, he thanked the many men and women who supported him through his time in command, but he also reassured the fighter wing that they were in good hands with their newest commander. “I’ve gotten to know Klaxon and he’s going to the Icemen with courage, love, character and an aggressive warrior mentality,” said Berkland.
Once Col. Townsend was officially in command of the base, he spoke to his new troops and those in attendance. “I’m excited and I’m humbled to lead and serve with you,” Townsend said. He too thanked his family for all of their support and acknowledged the many accomplishments of the 354th fighter wing, that were achieved under the command of Col. Berkland. Airmen then revealed the flagship F-35 fighter with Col. Townsend’s name and call sign on it.
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