Wing commander takes to airwaves

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sondra Escutia
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  In one of his first radio shows since becoming the first 49th Wing commander, Col. David Krumm took to the airwaves, introducing himself to listeners in the local area and discussing recent and upcoming happenings on base.

The guest visit on KRSY AM radio was one of many welcomed by numerous local media outlets, all presenting a platform for communication between the local community and Holloman's leader.

During the radio show Sept. 9, Colonel Krumm's span of topics ranged from the upcoming Oktoberfest hosted by the German Air Force to the expanding Remotely Piloted Aircraft Formal Training Unit. The Auburn University alum also talked about Holloman's latest news regarding the F-16 Fighting Falcon training mission set to come on board in the future.

The commander offered his opinion on the F-16 training mission, stating it could be beneficial for both the incoming squadrons and the existing RPA FTU.

"I think it's an incredible opportunity for our Air Force and our Nation," said Colonel Krumm. "Not only do the RPA pilots get a chance to work with fighter pilots but fighter pilots get a chance to work with them so when they go into a combat situation that learning curve has already been accomplished. So I think what we can expect is faster reaction times, better tactical abilities and, I think, that means more Americans coming home ... and that's a great thing."

While he said the timeline of events leading up to the airframe's arrival is yet to be determined, he and other Air Force leaders are working to keep base manning levels at or about the same as the transition progresses.

"Right now, we have two (F-16 training) squadrons scheduled to come in and we are working closely with Air Education and Training Command, along with Air Combat Command, to try to figure out the right timeline, the right flow, how to do this smartly and, quite frankly, to lessen the impact on the community," said the commander.

Colonel Krumm went on to emphasize the importance of the partnership between the base and local community -- a relationship that was recently showcased during the annual Thanks Team Holloman event Sept. 10.

"It's a tremendous event and it's indicative of the relationship that Holloman enjoys with Alamogordo and that's a relationship to be treasured," Colonel Krumm said about the yearly event. "There's nothing better than knowing that you're loved and appreciated, and this is a chance for the community to show our Airmen that. It's a wonderful, wonderful thing."

He also expressed his appreciation for the local community through a story about one of his wife's encounters after arriving to the base a few months ago.

She was driving in Alamogordo when she realized she didn't know if she was on the right path to her destination, Colonel Krumm explained. Having not been too familiar with the area yet, she pulled over and began reading a map.

"She's staring at it attentively, when all of the sudden there's a knock on her driver's side window," he said. "Somewhat startled, she looked over and there's a gentlemen there, smiling. She kind of rolled the window down tentatively and he says 'Good morning! Can I help you get to where you're going?'"

The man went on to give her directions to both of her destinations, and Colonel Krumm said it was "an incredible experience for her" and something she didn't expect.

"I've said this before and it's probably getting old hat now, but I've never been in a place where I've moved and been able to call 'home' so quickly," said the 49th Wing commander. "We're just glad to be here and we look forward to the future."

The commander's next radio spot is scheduled for 7 a.m., Oct. 1, where he will speak on 94.3 KYEE FM during the monthly installment of "Commander's Corner."