Air Force Reserve Col. Michael Hernandez was selected to become the only reservist currently commanding an Active Duty wing, taking charge of the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall AFB, Fla. “I’m thankful for the opportunity the Air Force is giving me to lead the wing,” said Hernandez, who previously served as deputy commander of the Reserve 482nd FW at Homestead ARB, Fla. “This is another example of the Air Force’s commitment to the Total Force,” he added. Hernandez is one of several Reserve officers recently selected to head up Active Duty units under the Extended Active Duty tour program, which grants officers more career-development and command opportunities, AFRC announced. Also selected were Lt. Col. Matthew Bianchini, who will command the 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Dover AFB, Del., and Maj. Albert Knapp,? who will command the 56th Maintenance Squadron at Kirtland AFB, N. M., according to the release. A Reserve officer is currently vice commander of the Active Duty 23rd MXS at Moody AFB, Ga., under the same program. Active Duty officers also currently lead AFRC’s 919th Special Operations Wing at Duke Field, Fla., and the 815th Airlift Squadron at Keesler AFB, Miss.
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
