39th ABW welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Col. Calvin Powell assumed command of the 39th Air Base Wing during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 30, 2022. 

Powell replaced Col. Jason Gingrich as 39th ABW commander after serving as the vice commander of the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 435th Air Expeditionary Wing, at Ramstein AB, Germany.

During his first remarks as 39th ABW commander, Powell communicated his vision for the wing and expressed his gratitude in being selected to lead the members of the wing.

“I’m ready to get to work,” said Powell. “I will give it my all every single day. Our mission here at Incirlik is as critical as ever been. To the men and women of the 39th Air Base Wing, I charge you to stay ready, and I pledge to work tirelessly alongside each of you.”

Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony and shared his confidence in Powell.

“Colonel Powell exceeded at everything he’s done,” said France. “He oversaw a gambit of missions on two continents. I can’t think of a better person to carry out our mission here.”

France also thanked Gingrich for his accomplishments and leadership as Titan One.

“One year ago, General Reed challenged you,” said France. “You stood up to that task. We owe you a debt of gratitude.”

As commander of the 39th ABW, Powell leads a team of Airmen and civilians tasked with defending NATO’s southern flank under the direction of 3rd AF, U.S. Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa and U.S. European Command. The wing projects global power through strategic deterrence, agile combat support and enduring partnerships to defend U.S. interests and allies.