39th ABW welcomes new commander
U.S. Air Force Col. Brandon McBrayer, 39th Air Base Wing commander, assumed command from U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Lord in a change of command ceremony here June 28.
Over the course of his yearlong command, Lord oversaw a variety of policy changes to include the return of pets, return of personal vehicles, reopening of the base, and revised visitation policies. He also did this amidst 18 higher headquarters inspections, the Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement inspection, and the first B-1 Bomber Task Force exercises at Incirlik AB.
Lord said in his remarks, “Over the past year, your dedication, resilience, and professionalism have been extraordinary. Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and forged a path that will leave a lasting impact on this Wing and the US-Türkiye relationship.”
U.S. Air Force Col. Calvin Powell, Third Air Force deputy commander, officiated the ceremony. “Col. Lord, you cultivated a culture of excellence at Incirlik, ensuring Team Titan was always ready, reliable, and responsive. On behalf of Maj. General Paul Moga, Commander of 3rd Air Force, thank you for your leadership. Gen. Moga and I maintain full confidence in Team Titan and Col. McBrayer as he assumes command.”
McBrayer, the new 39th ABW commander, comes from his previous assignment as Group Commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He is passionate about Airmen development and is proud to continue to build partnerships at Incirlik.
39th ABW welcomes new commander
U.S. Air Force Cols. Kevin Lord, 39th Air Base Wing outgoing commander, and Brandon McBrayer, 39th ABW incoming commander, sit during the change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, June 28, 2024. McBrayer was previously a group commander at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Suzie Plotnikov)
“I am honored to join the men and women at NATO’s Southern Flank. Incirlik Air Base plays a critical role in great power competition at the strategic intersection of CENTCOM and EUCOM,” McBrayer said. “We will build upon the previous command team’s accomplishments by continuing to invest in our Airmen to further improve our mission accomplishment. Our nation depends on it.”
McBrayer now 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.
For more information on the inbound command team, visit the following sources:
