39th Change of Command - 2023

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander (left), presents the guidon to Col. Kevin Lord, incoming 39th Air Base Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, June 30, 2023. Lord replaced Col. Calvin Powell as 39th ABW commander after serving as 39th ABW commander after serving as the commander of the 20th Operations Group Shaw AFB, South Carolina. The 39th ABW is charged with defending NATO’s southern flank under the auspices of Third Air Force, 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenna A. Bond)

39th Change of Command - 2023

U.S. Air Force Col. Calvin Powell, outgoing 39th Air Base Wing commander, relinquishes the guidon to Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, June 30, 2023. During the ceremony, Col. Kevin Lord replaced Powell as 39th ABW commander after serving as the commander of the 20th Operations Group Shaw AFB, South Carolina. The 39th ABW is charged with defending NATO’s southern flank under the auspices of Third Air Force, 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jenna A. Bond)

39th Change of Command - 2023

39th ABW Welcomes New Commander

Published June 30, 2023
By Staff Sgt. Alexandria Lee
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Türkiye --

Col. Kevin M. Lord assumed command of the 39th Air Base Wing during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 30, 2023.

Col. Kevin M. Lord replaced Col. Calvin B. Powell as 39th ABW commander after serving as the commander of the 20th Operations Group, at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

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

“I’m deeply honored to be a part of your team. Through the skill and dedication of the Airmen of the 39th ABW I am fully confident we will always be ready, reliable, and responsive for whatever opportunities come our way.”

Maj. Gen. Derek C. France, Third Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony and shared remarks regarding his confidence in Col. Lord.

“We are very excited to welcome you back to the Third Air Force family after 16 years. You have my full confidence and support as you lead the 39th Air Base Wing. I know you will establish a culture of excellence and performance.”

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

“Great leaders rise to the occasion, and Col. ‘PT’ Powell oversaw a critical junction in Titan history”, said France. “Since June of 2022, this wing has accomplished vital goals that have set the stage for future success.”

As commander of the 39th ABW, Col. Kevin Lord 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.