926th Group holds its first change of command

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jessica Martin
  • 926th Group public affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  The U.S. Air Force Reserve's 926th Group, an associate unit to the United States Air Force Warfare Center, held its first change of command here May 29. 

On the day of his retirement after 30 years in the Air Force and four years of leading the group, Col. David Culbertson relinquished command to Col. Herman Brunke, Jr., during a ceremony at the Weapons Load hangar. 

"The 926th started with 13 people and became a group because of its success," said Colonel Culbertson. "You're doing such a great job in the organizations you're a part of and I couldn't be more proud. Best of luck to everyone; I believe you are a part of the future of the Air Force." 

Through the Air Force's Total Force Integration initiative, 926th GP personnel are fully integrated into Regular Air Force units at Nellis. Many members are full time, accomplishing the mission of the USAFWC alongside their RegAF counterparts on a daily basis. 

As commander, Colonel Brunke oversees the group's reservists working to ensure deployed forces are well-trained and well-equipped to conduct integrated combat operations by certifying equipment, developing tactics, and providing premiere education and exercise venues.

Additionally, he oversees personnel integrated into the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech AFB who train pilots, sensor operators and other Unmanned Aerial Systems crewmembers, and conduct combat surveillance and attack operations worldwide. 

"To the 926th Group - I will extend every effort and work tirelessly to ensure you have what you need to accomplish the mission," said Colonel Brunke, 926th Group commander. "My mantra is 'mission first, people always.' You have my respect, you have my support, and you have my expectations - let's get to work." 

Colonel Brunke received his commission from Michigan Technological University's ROTC program in 1979. He was awarded his pilot wings in 1982 and is a command pilot with more than 4,900 flying hours in the T-37, T-38, T-33 and A-10. 

Colonel Brunke came to the 926th GP from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., where he was the Division Chief of Global Power Programs and Requirements at Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command. 

The 926th GP was officially activated here in Oct. 2007 but its presence at Nellis traces back to 2005 when it was the 307th Fighter Squadron Detachment 3. It was redesignated the 78th Reconnaissance Squadron in 2006. The 78th RS is now a squadron under the group, located at Creech AFB, whose personnel are responsible for operating MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper aircraft. In Feb. 2007 the unit was renamed Detachment 1, 10th Air Force, and due to its growth in personnel and responsibility, ultimately stood up as the 926th GP. 

With several geographically-separated units, the group now consists of six squadrons, one detachment, one flight and approximately 250 personnel spread across Nevada, Colorado and Florida.