‘Tigers’ welcome new commander
Kirtland’s 377th Air Base Wing sees change of command Friday
U.S. Air Force Col. Richard W. Gibbs took command of the 377th Air Base Wing — known as the Tigers — from Col. Eric Froehlich during a change of command ceremony Friday morning at Kirtland Air Force Base.
Maj. Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, 20th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony, passing the wing’s colors or guidon to Gibbs and wishing Froehlich farewell, according to a news release.
“As we say farewell to one accomplished leader, we’re fortunate to welcome another,” Cotton said. “Gibbs is an outstanding officer, and I am proud to welcome him to our command and Kirtland Air Force Base.”
Gibbs is now the 19th commander to lead the host unit at KAFB. Previously, he served
at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., where he was the deputy director, Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command.
“The 377th has an amazing history in its own right,” Gibbs said in a statement. “But especially here in Albuquerque, where my family and I cannot wait to jump in and be a part of the community. We look forward to continuing the great work that Kirtland does every day.”
Froehlich, who welcomed Gibbs and said his final goodbyes to the wing he’s commanded since June 2014, said he “could not imagine a better person, a better team, to turn this Tiger family over to.”
Froehlich is moving on to serve as the vice commander, Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.
The 377th Air Base Wing as host organization at KAFB reports to Air Force Global Strike Command, according to its website. The base and its mission partners employ about 20,000 active duty service personnel, civilians, Guard and Reserve personnel.
The primary mission of the 377th Wing is to “execute nuclear, readiness, and support operations for American air power.” KAFB also does research, development and testing of nonconventional weapons, space and missile technology, laser warfare and more. Some of the mission players include the 58th Special Operations Wing, the 150th Special Operations Wing and U.S. Air Force Pararescue School.