CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada -- The 726th Operations Group held a change of command ceremony at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, on June 22, where Col. Brent relinquished command to Col. David.
David joined the group’s 78th Attack Squadron at Creech AFB in 2010 where he conducted MQ-9 combat support missions, and served as the director of operations and then squadron commander. In Aug. 2015 he became the 726th OG deputy commander.
“I’m honored to have been selected to lead this group of highly-skilled Airmen,” said David. “It’s a significant time to be part of the remotely piloted aircraft enterprise, and I look forward to taking care of these operators as they execute the mission on a 24/7, 365 basis.”
The 726th OG provides combat mission-ready personnel and formal training course instructors to the 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech AFB, the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale AFB, California, and the 49th Wing at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, as part of Total Force Integration.
In his new role, David is accountable for the Reserve’s training and combat missions of the RPA weapon system and its members flying MQ-1, MQ-9, RQ-4 and RQ-170 aircraft.
“With his experience in command, his years working in a TFI environment, and the absolute trust he’s gained with our Active Duty teammates at Creech, Colonel David was the natural choice to take over command upon Colonel Brent’s retirement,” said Col. Ross Anderson, 926th Wing commander. “He has been at the forefront of the RPA mission for several years now, and is ready to take on this responsibility at the group level.”
David entered the Air Force in 1991 after graduating from Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Oregon State University, Oregon. He was first assigned to the C-141B transport aircraft at McChord AFB, Washington. His other assignments include Airdrop Instructor Pilot, flight examiner, and C-130 pilot. He also deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
David is a command pilot with more than 4,500 flight hours in the C-141B, C-130E/H and MQ-9 aircraft.