119th Wing commander assigned to national Air Force UAS Task Force

Courtesy Photo | Col. Robert J. Becklund serves as the commander of the 119th Wing, North Dakota Air National Guard, following an assignment as director of support. Col. Becklund began his military career by enlisting in the North Dakota Air National Guard in May 1982 as a flight simulator technician earning distinguished graduate honors from USAF basic military training. He earned his commission in September of 1983 from the Air National Guard's Academy of Military Science also as a distinguished graduate. After finishing USAF pilot training and graduating first in his class, Col. Becklund held several positions at the 119th Wing including operations chief of scheduling, plans officer, weapons and tactics officer, chief of stan/eval, chief of safety, acting operations group commander, state director of operations and director of support. Additionally the colonel served as detachment commander on numerous Combat Archer, Red Flag and Coronet Nighthawk deployments plus two USAF William Tell weapons competitions. He is a native of West Fargo, N.D.  

FARGO, UNITED STATES

09.14.2009

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

FARGO, N.D. — The commander of the North Dakota Air National Guard's 119th Wing will be undertaking a new assignment as one of the Air Force's point people for matters involving unmanned aerial systems. Col. Robert Becklund, who has commanded the Wing since August 2004, will begin the position with the U.S. Air Force Unmanned Aerial Systems Task Force in Washington, D.C., soon, although a specific start date has not been set.

"He's been one of the best — if not the best — wing commanders I've ever worked with. He's got a bright future, and he's going to do good things for North Dakota," said Brig. Gen. Al Palmer, North Dakota National Guard assistant adjutant general - air. Palmer made the announcement over Hooligan TV, the Wing's broadcast news show, to Airmen drilling at the North Dakota Air National Guard base in Fargo this weekend.

"It's a great opportunity for Col. Becklund," Palmer said. "This position was by invitation only from the Air Force's UAS Task Force, and he's going to be in a position to shape UAS systems from the very small to the very large in that position."

Becklund will be the only Guardsman on the Task Force staff.

"North Dakota has become a world leader in unmanned aviation, and it is certainly fitting that the Air Force has tapped one of our best to fill this key position," said Gov. John Hoeven. "We will miss Col. Becklund's leadership and dedication as commander of the 119th Wing, but we're confident that the proud tradition of the Happy Hooligans will be carried on by Col. Rick Gibney."

The Wing's vice commander, Col. Kent Olson, will oversee operations until Col. Rick Gibney assumes command in early 2010.

"Col. Becklund will certainly be missed as the 119th Wing commander, but I know his position and influence will continue to benefit the North Dakota Air National Guard and the state as a whole," said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general. "This is a very prestigious and challenging position, but I know of no one more qualified than Bob. He is a strong leader who understands UAS as the way forward in the Air Force. I have no doubt he will bring great success to this new undertaking."

• Date Taken: 09.14.2009
• Date Posted: 09.14.2009 12:34
• Story ID: 38746
• Location: FARGO, US