An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Active duty command for ANG colonel highlights successful total force integration

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Traci Howells
  • 131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  An Air National Guard colonel was appointed commander of the 509th Operations Group, a regular Air Force unit, during a ceremony here Oct. 24.

Col. Michael Pyburn assumed command of the 509th Operations Group, following the departure of Col. David Benson, a transition that illustrates the success of a total force integration (TFI) initiative between the 509th Bomb Wing and the 131st Bomb Wing here.

"This is why the TFI works so well - because you have the two group commanders working side by side," Pyburn said of the opportunity. "If the 131st has to step in and take over for a short period of time, it's a seamless transition."

The opportunity to lead an active duty unit came after Col. David Benson took a new role as 7th Bomb Wing commander at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. Pyburn will hold the temporary assignment until the permanent active duty operations group commander is appointed in late spring 2016.

"This decision is the direct result of the strong mutual relationship we've established with our Guard brothers and sisters, via our successful day-to-day work projecting decisive air power around the globe," said Brig. Gen. Paul Tibbets IV, 509th Bomb Wing commander. "We look forward to advancing our important mission together, as closely as ever, with Colonel Pyburn in this new role."

"Coming on the heels of a successful total-force nuclear surety inspection and our commanding display of air power at the Air Force Global Strike Challenge competition, appointing Colonel Pyburn as Operations Group commander for the 509th is just another confirmation of TFI excellence at Whiteman," said Col. Michael Francis, 131st Bomb Wing commander.

Pyburn has served as commander of the 131st Operations Group since April 2013, and worked closely with Benson in overseeing all B-2 and T-38 flight operations here. Lt. Col. Jared Kennish, formerly the 110th Bomb Squadron commander, has stepped in as the 131st OG commander in Pyburn's absence.