173rd Fighter Wing welcomes NGB Plans and Programs Director as new commander Published Jan. 14, 2015 By Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. -- A new commander accepted command of the 173rd Fighter Wing during an assumption of command ceremony here Jan. 10. "Sir, I assume command," Col. Kirk S. Pierce said as the official passing of the guideon took place. As the new commander, Pierce took the opportunity to discuss his background and command philosophy. He also praised the Airmen of the 173rd FW. "It's an honor for me to represent and to lead you," said Pierce. "You have a phenomenal reputation in both the state [of Oregon] and Air Force." Pierce comes to 173rd FW from the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., where he served as the Director of Plans and Programs for the NGB. He was also the Senior Military Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy - Strategy and Force Development at the Pentagon. He has more than 26 years of military experience serving in multiple capacities throughout the United States. The Adjutant General for Oregon, Army Maj. Gen. Daniel Hokanson, was the presiding officer for the ceremony. "[Col. Pierce] is truly an exceptional officer and the right leader for this truly exceptional Wing," said Hokanson. Pierce's flying background is primarily in the Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft; however, he will have a first-hand view of the 173rd FW's schoolhouse as he retrains to fly the Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft. Pierce replaces Col. Jeremy Baenen, who commanded the 173rd FW from January 2013 to November 2014. The 173rd FW is the home to the sole F-15C schoolhouse for the U.S. Air Force.