Kehler Takes Command of STRATCOM

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Gen. Robert Kehler last week assumed command of US Strategic Command at Offutt AFB, Neb. Defense Secretary Robert Gates presided over the change-of-command ceremony, during which Kehler took the reins of authority from Gen. Kevin Chilton, who led STRATCOM since October 2007 and is retiring from the Air Force after 34 years of uniformed service. “I pledge to you that the strategic challenges facing our nation will command all the energy and commitment I can muster,” Kehler told the approximately 1,000 ceremony attendees. He added, “The security challenges facing our nation are complex, unremitting and compelling. Addressing them requires our complete focus, effective partnerships, and synchronized efforts.” Kehler comes to Offutt from Peterson AFB, Colo., where he led Air Force Space Command since October 2007. Prior to that assignment, he was STRATCOM’s deputy commander. Chilton’s retirement takes effect on Feb. 1. (Offutt release) (Kehler’s updated biography)

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org