Command changes in ceremony at Nellis
Craddock to retire; Dyer takes base reins
The 99th Air Base Wing at Nellis
Air Force Base has a new commander.
With the passing of the guidon — a pennant that designates a military unit — during a closed ceremony Thursday, Col. Todd Dyer assumed command of the base from Col. Cavan Craddock, Nellis officials announced.
Craddock, who has been commander of the base about 10 miles northeast of downtown Las Vegas since May 2018, is retiring after 25 years in the Air Force.
Maj. Gen. Charles Corcoran, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, presided over the ceremony, which was closed to the media and most base employees because of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
“The work Col. Craddock has accomplished will positively impact Nellis, our Air Force, our joint force, and our partner nations for years to come,” Corcoran was quoted saying in a Nellis story on the change of command.
“He saw to the development of critical mission infrastructure which will propel the premier operational testing, tactics development, and advanced training missions housed here at Nellis and lead the way towards the realization of true joint, all-domain war fighting.”
“This assignment was an amazing opportunity and a great way to culminate my career,” Craddock said.
“It was the honor of a lifetime to lead the airmen of the 99th Air Base Wing. I knew when I took command that if I empowered them that they would establish dominance — and they’ve done just that. I could not be more proud of all they have done and I thank them for their amazing service.”
Dyer, an F-15E pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours and
700 combat hours, has taken the reins. He has received several major awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor. His previous assignment was vice commander of the 47th Flying Training Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas.
Dyer will lead the 5,300 airmen providing mission assurance to six wings, 52 tenant units and 14,000 personnel across the base and Nevada Test and Training Range installation complex.
Contact Briana Erickson at berickson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5244. Follow @Bybrianae on Twitter.