926th Group welcomes new commander

  • 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 a change of command here December 3.

Col. Herman Brunke, Jr. relinquished command to Col. John Breeden during a ceremony at the Viper hangar.

"I'm so proud of the Reserve team at Nellis," said Brunke. "From the newest Airman to the senior ranks, I thank you all for your patriotism, professionalism and service."

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

"There will be new challenges," said Brunke. "And you have the tools to analyze, develop and field the answers to overcome these challenges and be victorious. This functional integration has always been successful because of you."

As commander, Colonel Breeden 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 Air Force Base, Nev., who train pilots, sensor operators and other Remotely Piloted Aircraft crewmembers, as well as conduct combat surveillance and attack operations worldwide.

"Thank you for your commitment as citizen Airmen," said Breeden, 926th Group commander. "I know each of you voluntarily sign on the dotted line to serve, and I look forward to serving alongside you and furthering the TFI effort. We have a great future in front of us."

Breeden came to the 926th GP from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C, where he was the Reserve Advisor to the Commanders of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Southwest Asia and Ninth Air Force, Air Combat Command. Previous to his assignment at Shaw AFB, Breeden served as the 57th Operations Group deputy commander at Nellis AFB and the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron commander at Creech AFB.

The 926th Group consists of seven squadrons and one detachment, with more than 530 personnel integrated into five RegAF wings across five geographic locations.