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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

New KAFB Commander Takes Over

By Charles D. Brunt
Journal Staff Writer
       Vowing to continue the good works of Col. Robert E. Suminsby Jr., Kirtland Air Force Base's new commander said Tuesday he'll concentrate on maintaining good community relations and ensuring the viability of the nation's nuclear capabilities.
    Col. Michael S. Duvall assumed command of the 377th Air Base Wing, Kirtland's host unit, at a morning ceremony at Kirtland's Hardin Field.
    Duvall, who was director of training and exercises for the U.S. Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith in Hawaii, said he is "excited about the incredibly diverse missions performed at Kirtland," all of which rely on the 377th. Kirtland, the Air Force's sixth-largest installation, has more than 100 related agencies within its boundaries.
    "My promise to you is that, although I'm quite imperfect, I will strive to lead the 377th team as a professional airman dedicated to the defense of our great nation," Duvall said.
    Suminsby, who headed the 377th Air Base Wing for two years, is the new Inspector General for U.S. Air Forces in Europe, based in Ramstein, Germany.
    Brig. Gen. Everett H. Thomas, commander of Kirtland's Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, said Kirtland underwent an unprecedented three nuclear assurance inspections during Suminsby's tenure.
    "I don't think I've ever met anyone that unlucky," Thomas said, noting that all of the inspections went well, and one found zero deficiencies.
    "I've been in the nuclear business for almost 28 years," Thomas said. "It is almost impossible to get through a nuclear assurance inspection without a major deficiency."
    "I've had the time of my life commanding this wing," Suminsby said as he made his last speech as Kirtland's commander.
    Suminsby thanked his wife, Celeste, and sons Robert and Benjamin "for all their love and support throughout this assignment and throughout my career. You have been absolute troopers," he said. He then presented his wife with a single red rose.
    Suminsby thanked the Albuquerque community for its "unwavering support of the men and women in our military," and the business community whose support, he said, was "far beyond my wildest expectations."
    Duvall said he has known Suminsby for 20 years. "We first met when I was going through F-15E training," Duvall said. "He was an instructor at Luke Air Force Base. Then we were assigned together at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska for three years flying the F-15E."
    Including Kirtland, Suminsby said Duvall now has replaced him three times in various assignments over the years.
    Duvall, who has a son attending the Air Force Academy, is a command pilot with more than 3,300 hours flying the F-4D/E Phantom and the F-15E Eagle fighters.