JBER welcomes new base commander

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten Aguilar took command of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and the 673d Air Base Wing during a ceremony here, July 14, 2020.

Aguilar’s previous assignment was as commander of the 21st Mission Support Group at Peterson Air Force Base and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colo. She replaces Col. Patricia A. Csànk, who departs to become the Deputy Director of Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia.

“To the men and women of the 673d ABW and the mission partners of team JBER, Abe and I are humbled and honored to be part of this team,” Aguilar said. “We are excited to serve along-side of you, to continue providing first-class support to the community, and together we will focus on being Airmen of character, who are committed to the mission and building meaningful connections. As Col. Csànk said, ‘We are JBER.’”

As commander, Aguilar will be overseeing the wing’s four groups operating and maintaining the joint base for air sovereignty, combat training, force staging and operations in support of worldwide contingencies.

The installation hosts the headquarters for the U.S. Alaskan Command, Eleventh Air Force, U.S. Army Alaska and the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region. The 673d ABW comprises over 5,500 joint military and civilian personnel, supporting America’s Arctic Warriors and their families. The wing supports and enables three AF total-force wings, an Army Brigade and 55 other major mission partners.

In addition, the wing provides medical care to over 35,000 joint service members, dependents, Veterans Affairs patients and retirees throughout Alaska. The 673d ABW maintains $11.4 billion in infrastructure encompassing 84,000 acres, ensuring JBER remains America’s premier strategic power projection platform.

“JBER continues to grow in size and importance because of its force projecting capabilities and geographically strategic location,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Krumm, Commander of Alaskan Command, Eleventh Air Force, and Alaska North American Aerospace Defense Command. “Kirsten you have my full confidence and support as our new commander. Your experience and mindset give me no doubt that you will continue to drive this team to even more excellence.”

This change of command ceremony is a mission-essential activity which ensures and maintains mission readiness and homeland defense. However, due to the current conditions of the coronavirus pandemic, this event was closed to the public. Precautions such as social distancing and minimal crowd size were implemented. Video and photos of the ceremony are published at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/JBERPA and https://www.facebook.com/JBERAK/.