Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, RI -- The 143d Airlift Wing of the Rhode Island Air National Guard has a new commander.
Col. Michael A. Comstock, who had been the vice commander for the Quonset Airport-based unit since 2016, took over command from Col. Daniel Walter at an assumption of command ceremony held on April 7, 2018.
“Based on what I’ve seen and heard the past few years, through the varied missions of all the squadrons within the wing, Col. Comstock has and will provide level-headed support, compassion and enthusiasm while he leads the way forward. His perseverance feeds on your desire to excel at all missions, deployed and home,” said Assistant Adjutant General, Air Brig. Gen. Kimberly Baumann during an assumption of command ceremony held at the Air National Guard Base in North Kingstown.
In his new position, Comstock will take charge of more than 1100 military and civilian personnel of the Rhode Island Air National Guard. The 143d Airlift Wing is responsible for providing global airlift support and deploys eight C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
“Serving here at the 143d Airlift Wing has been a great blessing to me and my family, and I am very thankful for this incredible opportunity to serve in this new capacity,” said Comstock. “As the 143d Airlift Wing commander, I stand ready to serve the best interests of this outstanding organization and its awesome people.”
Comstock joined the Air Force in 1989 after graduating from the Air Force Academy. He became a C-130 pilot and served as an aircraft commander, instructor pilot, evaluator pilot, chief of tactics and a foreign exchange pilot to the Italian Air Force. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.