New commander named at Keesler Air Force Base
Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi held the 81st Training Wing Change of Command Ceremony this morning.
A new commander has taken charge over the 81st Training Wing at Keesler Air Force Base. Col. Heather Blackwell officially signed out and handed the position over to Col. William Hunter. “So, my family and I are super excited to be here. As you heard through the ceremony, my son actually graduated from here two years ago. We feel a strong kinship to this Keesler community.”
Col. William Hunter was commissioned through the Air Force Officer Reserve Training Corps at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. “I’m prior enlisted. I came in ’87 so I came through the enlisted ranks. When I found I got Keesler I was super stoked to even just get back with all the young airmen.”
While in charge, Col. Heather Blackwell had to deal with not only COVID-19 and keeping her wing safe, but also battling the tough hurricane season that swept through the Coast. Col. Hunter said, “We are going to try to build on the foundation that Heather has already established.”
Col. Hunter has four main points that he wants to focus on while in charge. “You know it’s going to be our people, our mission, the instillation, and the community, so you know airmen and their families, making sure the instillation is running good, make sure we are getting the mission done and then really strengthen, you know coming out of COVID, re-establishing those connections with the community is going to be a big target as well.”
Col. Hunter says his goal is to make Keesler Air Force Base number one. “I grew up playing sports. I am super competitive. So, I am going to try to make Keesler the best instillation in the Air Force.”
