167th Airlift Wing welcomes new commander

The West Virginia National Guard’s 167^th Airlift Wing, held a formal change of command ceremony Aug. 5, 2018, where Col. David “DC” Cochran assumed command from Col. Shaun Perkowski.

Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, Adjutant General of the WVNG, served as the presiding officer during the ceremony.

Hoyer praised Perkowski’s efforts during his tenure between 2013 and 2018, including the transition of the wing from the C-5 Galaxy aircraft to the C-17 Globemaster.

“You’ve taken a personal interest in everyone in the organization to drive it forward. You’ve left this organization a better place than when you came in. I greatly appreciate that and the work you’ve done as a wing” said Hoyer.

Cochran is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and a command pilot with over 6,500 flight hours. He has leadership and combat experience in several major contingency operations and has held numerous leadership positions within the wing, to include serving as deputy commander of both the 167^th Operations Group and the 167^th Maintenance Group. Most recently he served as the wing’s vice commander.

“It is an honor to be entrusted with command of the 167^th Airlift Wing” Cochran said. “I’ve always been proud to serve with the men and women of the 167^th, and it is my privilege to build on the legacy of those who came before us. Col. Perkowski’s leadership transformed the wing, and he has positioned the 167^th for future success. I hope to build on that foundation.”

Col. Rodney Neely will be stepping into the role of 167^th Airlift Wing vice commander.

The 167^th Airlift Wing, comprised of more than 1,000 Airmen, technicians and contractors, operates a fleet of eight C-17 Globemaster III aircraft to deliver people, equipment, and supplies to locations around the world in support of national defense.