3RD WING welcomes Nahom as new commander

by Johnathon Green
JBER Public Affairs

3/28/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Air Force Col. David Nahom became the 3rd Wing commander in a change-of-command ceremony March 20 at Hangar 1 on JBER.

Nahom previously served as the executive officer to the commander, Pacific Air Forces, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

Nahom replaces Air Force Col. Dirk Smith, who has been the commander for the past 19 months. Smith was recently selected for promotion to brigadier general, and his next assignment is deputy director for operations at Headquarters, U.S. Pacific Command.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Hoog, commander of Alaskan Command and the 11th Air Force, serving as reviewing officer for the ceremony, welcomed Nahom in his remarks.
"You have big shoes to fill, but I know you'll be up to the task," Hoog said. "You're taking command of a professional, experienced and highly capable wing of dedicated Airmen, and I know they are ready to follow your lead.

"Your previous command tours of the 60th Fighter Squadron at Eglin [Air Force Base, Fla.], and the 18th Wing at Kadena [Air Base, Japan], have prepared you for this next challenge," the general continued. "As the nation tightens its belt and we rebalance some forces, one of your challenges will be to keep our edge razor-sharp to answer our nation's call when it comes, and I have no doubt you'll accomplish that mission."
Hoog highlighted Smith's accomplishments as the 3rd Wing commander.

"Your list of accolades is impressive and includes top of the Air Force markings as earning the best mission effectiveness rate for 2011, maintaining the best in the Air Force E-3 [Sentry] operational rate for 10 years and counting, your [Air Mobility Command] Rodeo Team was named Best C-17A [Globemaster III] Airdrop Crew, and the 3rd Maintenance Group garnered a 2011 LCAP 'Excellent' - the highest grade for a PACAF unit in two years."

Smith spoke about the contributions of the Airmen under his command as well as the JBER units who supported the wing.

"The 3rd Wing is absolutely incredible and the teamwork we have with the [673d Air Base Wing] and our total-force partners are second to none," Smith said. "Airmen of the 3rd Wing, thanks to you, a particular thanks to your families; thanks to your families for all the sacrifices that they make as you serve selflessly for our nation."

In his remarks, Nahom thanked the wing for the event.

"I have watched and admired from afar the amazing work this wing performs every day for our country," Nahom said. "This is, I believe, the greatest flying organization in our Air Force, and a large part of our county's ability to ensure continued peace and stability throughout the Pacific. I eagerly look forward to getting to know you, learn from you as we write the next chapter of the 3rd wing."

Nahom joined the Air Force in November 1988 as a specialized undergraduate navigator and has served in 17 assignments, four overseas and 13 stateside, including his tour here as the 3rd Wing commander.

Nahom earned a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Colorado. He is a graduate of the Squadron Officers 'School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.; Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; Master of Military Arts and Science from Fort Leavenworth; Air War College and NATO Defense College, Rome, Italy.