Photo By Tech. Sgt. Donald Hudson | Lt. Gen. David Nahom speaks to the audience during the Alaskan North American...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Case A. Cunningham took command of Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, Alaskan Command, and Eleventh Air Force during a change of command ceremony Aug. 9, 2024, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David S. Nahom relinquished the command after serving as the senior military officer in Alaska for two years from August 2022 to August 2024. Under his command Nahom oversaw the formation of the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, advocated for quality-of-life initiatives for military families stationed in Alaska, and worked to strengthen and sharpen the total force in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions.
“It was an honor for Kim and me to come back to Alaska and have this opportunity to command in this great state,” said Nahom. “Alaska remains at the confluence of two burgeoning theaters of national and international importance. While in command I’ve seen firsthand an advancement and strengthening and integration in our services, components, and our allies.”
Nahom will retire from active duty after a distinguished 36-year military career in the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot, leader, and commanding general officer.
“It’s been a privilege to have served with so many great leaders, service members, and civilians throughout my 36-year career,” said Nahom.
Cunningham was previously the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Cunningham is a command pilot with over 3,400 flight hours in fighter aircraft including the F- 15C/D Eagle, F-22A Raptor, F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, and other military aircraft.
“When Capt. Cunningham departed this very Hangar over 25 years ago after finishing my first operational F-15C tour in the 19th Fighter Squadron, there’s no way that version of me thought this version of me would be standing here today in front of all of you,” said Cunningham.
Cunningham began his military career commissioning from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994. He has commanded multiple wings, the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, and served on multiple Major Command staffs.
“I am excited to be a part of this community and this state again and absolutely honored to join this Combined Headquarters and serve with all of you in Alaskan NORAD Region, Alaskan Command, and Eleventh Air Force in these critical missions in these dynamic times,” said Cunningham.
Taking the reins from Nahom, Cunningham plans to continue the work of his predecessor to defend, project, and ready forces in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific.
“I look forward to continuing General Nahom’s legacy of leadership in this important role and thank you all in advance for the privilege of serving by your side as we answer the call to execute our no-fail missions of protecting the homeland, assisting civil authorities, posturing the Alaska Theater for success, preserving stability in the Arctic, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Cunningham. “Our world is full of security challenges, and I have no doubt that this team is up to every single one.”
The change of command ceremony was presided by Gen. Gregory Guillot, Commander, NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, and Gen. Kevin Schneider, Commander, Pacific Air Forces.
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2024 20:35 |
| Story ID: | 478434 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA, US |
| Web Views: | 387 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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