Tyndall Air Force Base Change of Command

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. ( WMBB ) – One of Tyndall Air Force Base’s major missions has a new commander. Lieutenant General Luke Ahmann assumed command of the continental U.S. NORAD region – First Air Force, Air Forces Northern, and Air Forces Space Wednesday afternoon.

Ahmann made a quick turnaround to assume this new role. Last Friday, Ahmann was serving as the Director of Programs and Requirements of the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon.

On Wednesday, he became the Combined Force Air Component Commander for NORAD and the Joint Force Air Component Commander for U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Space Command.

“I won’t lie. It’s a little overwhelming. Just because everything’s moved so fast, but what I can tell you is I’m joining an incredible team. I can’t say enough about the great leadership of General Nordhaus and what he is leaving and his legacy, and to be able to pick up and jump in and work with this great team,” Ahmann said.

Usually, the military gives commanders around 6-months’ notice of their next assignment. Ahmann assumed command from Lieutenant General Steven S. Nordhaus. Nordhaus was recently confirmed as the 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

“I would like to again thank this incredible team of warfighters. It’s been an honor and a privilege working side by side with you. There is no more honorable purpose than defending our homeland. It is a sacred obligation entrusted to us by our nations. And serving as your commander and executing that mission has been the greatest honor of my life,” Nordhaus said.

Nordhaus will be promoted to four-star general and serve as the top officer in America’s oldest military force. Ahmann and his family have spent the last few days settling into the area.

“We’re super excited to be settled in the community but it’s always a challenge, but an opportunity for the children to grow and become more resilient. So, we’re excited to integrate and be part of Bay County,” Ahmann said.

Ahmann started his Air Force career as an F-16 pilot. He says this new role is a full-circle moment. Ahmann says he is humbled by this opportunity. He will immediately be overseeing Hurricane Helene’s search and rescue efforts.

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