Colonel Bergtholdt assumes command at Tyndall Air Force Base

BAY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – After an extensive 24-year career in the Air Force, the last two as commander of the 325th, Colonel George Watkins is retiring.

Every two years, Tyndall Air Force Base welcomes a new commander for the 325th fighter wing.
Monday was change-of-command day.

Colonel Christian Bergtholdt was appointed to be the newest commander of the fighter wing early Monday morning. Colonel Bergtholdt is ready to oversee all of team Tyndall.

“We’re counting on all of you. Godspeed and carry on the fight. For me, my two years went by almost in a blur, but I couldn’t be more proud of serving alongside the checkered tails,” Col. George Watkins said.

15th Air Force Commander Major General David B. Lyons and local dignitaries joined Col. Watkins as he relinquished command to Colonel Christian Bergtholdt.

“Our airmen deserve continued outstanding leadership, and that’s exactly what they will get with Col. Bandit Berthold. National defense fellow for Congressional Research Services served as the chief of the combat air force divisions of the headquarters air force directorate of operations. He was also a strategic planner for Centcom and attended Naval Command Staff College,” Maj. Gen. David B. Lyons said.

Colonel Bergtholdt graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2000. He became a colonel in 2021. He’s no stranger to Tyndall, his most recent assignment was commanding the 325th operations group.

Col. Bergtholdt has more than 25 hundred flight hours, 220 of those flying combat missions.

“Bandit, you are well prepared to lead this wing’s legacy of excellence while taking great care of our most valuable assets our people. Congratulations on the new command,” Lyons said.

“It feels amazing. Very excited about the new position. Certainly honored and grateful,” Col. Christian Bergtholdt said.

Colonels Berthold and Watkins have been working together closely to prepare for this transition.

“I’m excited. Working for him for the last two years. I certainly know the size of the boots I need to fill so that part is great. And it’s great to know the community and know that the team that we have here, it’s a know. So I’m excited about filling in that new role,” Bergtholdt said.

Base officials ended the ceremony by replacing Colonel Watkin’s name and call sign on his f-35, with Bergtholdt’s.

As commander of the 325th Colonel Berthold is responsible for maintaining combat readiness and leading fighter wing missions.

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