Shoguns welcome new operations group commander

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Bryan Bouchard
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  A University of Colorado alumnus and two-time Distinguished Flying Cross recipient assumed command of the 18th Operations Group during a ceremony June 28 in the AWACS Hangar here at Kadena Air Base.

Colonel David Nahom took command from Col. Ronald Banks, who served as the 18th OG commander since June 2008.

"It's an honor and a privilege to take command of this critical unit," Colonel Nahom said. "The skill and professionalism of this group is truly remarkable."

The colonel comes to Kadena from the Republic of Korea where he served on the U.S. Forces Korea staff. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours, including 470 combat hours.

The Brookfield, Conn. native has served combat tours ranging from the early 1990s with Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM more recently.

Colonel Nahom assumes command of nearly 900 people in eight squadrons and approximately 80 F-15, KC-135, E-3 AWACS and HH-60 aircraft valued at more than $4 billion. The 18th OG, the largest operations group in the combat air forces is responsible for air superiority, aerial refueling, combat search and rescue, airborne command and control, aeromedical evacutation and a host of other missions in addition to operating the 5th busiest airfield in the Department of Defense.

Colonel Banks leaves Kadena for an assignment as the Director of Staff for U.S. Air Forces Central.

The 18th Wing Commander, Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, had glowing words to say of the departing OG commander.

"You leave this operations group and this wing much better off than when you arrived," the general said, "and for that, we owe you a huge debt of gratitude."

Among many accomplishments during Colonel Banks' tenure, the 18th OG earned the best marks Pacific Air Forces had seen in five years during the 2009 Pacific Air Forces Aircrew Standardization Evaluation visit. During the 2009 PACAF Unit Compliance Inspection, two squadrons earned "Outstanding" and the group overall earned an 18th Wing best, "Excellent" rating. Lastly, four of his units won Air Force-level awards during his tenure to include:

· 2008 Air Force Medical Service, Best Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Patient Safety Program
· 2008 Air Force Flight Safety Plaque
· 2009 Verne Orr Award
· 2009 Mackay Trophy
· 2009 Airfield Complex of the Year

Colonel Banks thanked the members of the group for their service and dedication as well as the Air Force's joint partners on the island.

"It has been a joy to watch the ballet of missions over the last two years," Colonel Banks said of the varied missions of the eight squadrons within the group. "The sheer magnitude and diversity of this group is staggering."