8th Fighter Wing wraps up change of command season

U.S. Air Force Joshua Hawkins, 8th Mission Support Group commander, passes command to Maj. Stephen Perkins, 8th Communications Squadron incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 24, 2025. Kunsan's unique position as a short tour enables fast-tracked leadership development for deterrence and readiness for contingency response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Giovanni Sims)

8th Fighter Wing wraps up change of command season

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Johnson, outgoing 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron outgoing commander, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Irene Fernandez, 8th Healthcare Operations Squadron incoming commander share a laugh during a change of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 5, 2025. A change of command ceremony is an American military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Giovanni Sims)

8th Fighter Wing wraps up change of command season

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Kiggins, 8th Security Forces Squadron commander, receives a first salute from members of the 8th SFS during a change of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 25, 2025. A change of command ceremony is an American military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Giovanni Sims)

8th Fighter Wing wraps up change of command season

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alfred Doby, outgoing 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, and Lt. Col. Sarah Kelly, incoming 8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, prepare to change command during a ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 9, 2025. A change of command ceremony is an American military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Giovanni Sims).

8th Fighter Wing wraps up change of command season

From left to right: U.S. Air Forces Col. Kathryn Gaetke, 8th Fighter Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Bouchard, 8th Maintenance Group senior enlisted leader, Col. Blair Byrem, 8th MXG incoming commander, and Col. Casey Crabill, outgoing 8th MXG commander, stand during a change command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 3, 2025. A change of command ceremony is an American military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Giovanni Sims)

8th Fighter Wing welcomes new leaders of the pack

Published July 11, 2025
8th Fighter Wing

KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --

The 2025 change of command season has ended with the Wolf Pack transitioning to new wing, group and squadron commanders.

The Airmen of the 8th Fighter Wing said farewell to old commanders and welcomed the newest pack leaders, integrating them into the wing’s culture and mission.

8th Fighter Wing Commander: Col. Kathryn Gaetke

8th Operations Group Commander: Col. Ruben Amezaga

8th Mission Support Group Commander: Col. Tim Frank

8th Maintenance Group Commander: Col. Blair Byrem

8th Communications Squadron: Maj. Stephen Perkins

8th Comptroller Squadron: Maj. Teddy Oteba

8th Maintenance Squadron: Maj. Dustin Woosley

8th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron: Lt. Col. Sarah Kelly

8th Healthcare Operations Squadron: Lt. Col. Irene Fernandez

8th Force Support Squadron: Maj. Tawny Pelletier

8th Logistics Readiness Squadron: Maj. Elizabeth Stevens

8th Civil Engineer Squadron: Lt. Col. Joseph Pickenpaugh

8th Security Forces Squadron: Lt. Col. Ryan Kiggins

35th Fighter Generation Squadron: Maj. Lydia Hill

35th Fighter Squadron (Combined 35th and 80th Fighter Squadrons for the super squadron test): Lt. Col. Joseph Basala

Welcome to the Wolf Pack!