Almand takes over as 6th AMW vice comamnder

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Bryan Gatewood
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Col. David Almand assumed the position of the 6th Air Mobility Wing vice commander July 15 from Col. David Cohen.

"I am extremely humbled and honored to serve the 6th AMW," said Almand. "After spending a year in the CENTCOM AOR (U.S. Central Command area of responsibility), I have tremendous respect for our CENTCOM leaders and I'm proud to support them and our other mission partners."

Cohen is moving to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala, to be the Air University director of staff.
Almand is coming to MacDill from Al Udeid AB, Qatar, where he served as the chief, Air Mobility Division, 609th Air & Space Operation Center U.S. Forces Central Command. As the new 6th AMW vice commander he expects everyone to let their leadership know if something (personal or professional) is preventing them from doing their job to the best of their ability.

"We are so fortunate to have the most qualified and capable Airmen on the planet," said the colonel. "Our job as leaders is to ensure our Airmen have the right training and equipment and enable them to execute the mission."

He also added that his heroes are the entire generation that joined the military after Sept. 11, 2001. "When our nation called, you all answered and have proven to be the smartest, most lethal and most resilient force the world has ever seen. You are all role models for future generations."

Almand is a command pilot with more than 4,100 flight hours. He has flown C-141B and C-17A aircraft in support of multiple operations including Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

When asked how he likes Tampa, Almand said, "We are reuniting with some great friends and I get to work for one of them whom I admire and respect very much. We are at one of the premier Air Force Bases, and in one of the greatest sports cities in the country -- it's a dream come true."

Almand would also like to thank everyone who helped them get to MacDill. "My wife, Cathy, and boys, Travis and Lance, are excited to be a part of this outstanding community."

Almand's full biography can be found on the MacDill website at http://www.macdill.af.mil/library/biographies/index.asp