JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm took the reins of Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, Alaskan Command, and Eleventh Air Force during a change of command ceremony here, April 20, 2020.

Due to physical distancing of the ongoing coronavirus response, the virtual change of command ceremony was presided over via distance by Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, and Gen. CQ Brown Jr., commander of Pacific Air Forces; Air Component Commander for U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; and Executive Director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff. During the ceremony, O’Shaughnessy expressed his confidence in Krumm and the leadership he will bring to the unique mission. “I can’t think of a better person or better team to take on those great commands,” O’Shaughnessy said. “You are a proven leader who has successfully commanded at every level. You embody the warrior ethos and serve as an outstanding example to all who are under your charge.”

General Krumm’s previous assignment was as Director, Global Power Programs, Office of the Assistant Secretary Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, Washington, D.C. He replaces Lt. Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, who departs to become the Deputy Commander, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), one of 10 Unified Commands under the Department of Defense. This change of command is a mission-essential activity to ensure and maintain mission readiness and homeland defense.

Brown welcomed Krumm to the command with a message that leading in today’s environment requires finding new and different ways to accomplish the mission, beginning with his change of command ceremony. “It means that the leader taking command today is innovative, willing to make and implement changes that make the 11 th Air Force better, prepared, more efficient, and postured for the future,” Brown said.

Krumm thanked the attendees of the ceremony, both virtual and actual, and payed respect to O’Shaughnessy, Brown and the charge they have issued him. “I know this is an incredible responsibility,” Krumm said. “You will get all that I have.”

Krumm also thanked the friends and allies of the joint command, expressing his honor to be part of this enterprise charged with defending the homeland. “To the Alaska Command, to the State, the congressional delegation and our local leaders, as well as the Alaska Native tribes and the nations they have, I look forward to working with you in making sure that we respond to not only today’s emergencies and situations, but also the future,” Krumm said.

The change of command ceremony traditionally concludes with an explanation of the incoming commander’s expectations and commitment to the mission and the readiness of the Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Coast Guard under his care. However, due to the purposefully limited number of attendees, Krumm was succinct in his address. “Normally you would want to talk to the whole group and talk about your vision and what you want to do. Here is what I’ll say: everything that General Bussiere has set you on, we will continue. And I cannot wait to get started,” Krumm said.

The Alaskan NORAD Region directs bilateral air operations with Canada within Alaska to ensure defense against all hostile airborne threats. Alaskan Command integrates activities of more than 21,000 active duty, Guard and Reserve members from all military services in Alaska as a sub-unified command of U.S. Northern Command. Eleventh Air Force oversees the training and readiness of five Air Force wings and Air Force installations located in Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam.