CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
Brig. Gen. David V. Cochran assumed command of the West Virginia Air National Guard today from Brig. Gen. Ray Shepard in a formal change of command ceremony held at the 130th Airlift Wing, McLaughlin Air Force Base in Charleston.
Cochran become the second African-American Assistant Adjutant General - Air in the state's history, following a lineage of diverse military leaders at the helm of the WVANG. The WVANG has over 2,150 members and consists of two flying units, the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston, and the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg. As the Assistant Adjutant General and commander, Cochran provides command and control over all Air National Guard forces assigned to the state and is the principal advisor to the Adjutant General on all matters related to the Air National Guard.
Brig. Gen. William “Bill” Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, presided over the ceremony formally promoting Cochran to his new responsibilities and title as Assistant Adjutant General-Air.
“Today, we celebrate Brig. Gen. Shepard for his time as commander of the [West Virginia] Air National Guard and celebrate his stewardship of this organization,” Crane said. “We also welcome Brig. Gen. Cochran as commander, taking on this large responsibility. He is an outstanding officer and leader and he will lead our Airmen through these next chapters with the same tenacity he has given to this organization throughout his career.”
Cochran, a 32-year veteran of the military, including more than 22 years with the WVANG, said he is humbled to be named ATAG-Air. He said he will focus on preparing Airmen for the next fight by prioritizing mission readiness and caring for troops and their families.
“Our focus will be on preparing for the next fight, and it could be a big one,” Cochran said. “The success of our missions will be measured by our ability to maintain readiness and respond to the call. We’re only getting better, and we will be stronger tomorrow.”
Cochran said he will work to foster a culture diversity and inclusion by ensuring all Airmen are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Cochran was commissioned in May 1989 through the U.S. Air Force Academy and graduated the following year from pilot training at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. While on active duty with the Air Force, Cochran was involved in several global missions in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Africa.
Before his promotion to ATAG-Air, Cochran served as director of operations for the West Virginia Air National Guard. He previously served the 167th Airlift Wing, based in Martinsburg, in a number of leadership positions including as wing commander. He has logged more than 7,100 hours as a command pilot and has flown T-37, T-38, C-130E, C-130H3, C-21A, C-5A, and C-17 aircraft. He is a drill status Guardsman and will maintain his civilian employment as a pilot with United Airlines.
Shepard assumed Command of the West Virginia Air National Guard in March 2021. He joined the West Virginia Air National Guard in 1999 and served as a Judge Advocate for the 167th Airlift Wing and then as State Judge Advocate. He also served as deputy commander and chief of staff for the West Virginia Air National Guard.
Representatives from the offices of Sen. Joe Manchin, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Congressman Alex Mooney, and Congresswoman Carol Miller offered remarks of congratulations and gratitude to the men and women of the West Virginia Air National Guard.