960 AACS Welcomes New Commander

  • Published
  • By 1Lt Kinder L. Blacke
  • 552nd Air Control Wing Public Affairs
Col. Lawrence A. Brundidge, commander, 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron, relinquished his command of the Vikings to Lieutenant Col. Paul M. Oldham, formerly the director of operations for the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron, in a ceremony February 12. 

The change of command was presided over by Col. George Carpenter, commander, 552nd Operations Group, who applauded Colonel Brundidge on his brilliant work during his time in command, and welcomed Colonel Oldham as the new commander of the Vikings. 

Colonel Brundidge commanded the 960th Vikings since February 2, 2007, directly supervising 340 personnel from United States and Canadian Forces and the operations of six E-3 aircraft, valued at over $1.8 billion. 

During his time as commander, Colonel Brundidge led the 960 AACS as the first squadron to return to Southwest Asia in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in March 2007. The squadron's success during this first rotation helped prove to national leaders the necessity of an AWACS presence in the Global War on Terror, said Colonel Carpenter. 

Since then, Colonel Brundidge led the Vikings abroad for a second time and continued the record of excellence, accumulating over 2,400 combat hours. "Time flies when you're having fun, and I had a great time," he said. 

Colonel Brundidge attributed the squadron's success to the "tireless efforts" of his fellow leadership and Airmen. "I could not have asked for a better team," he said. 

Colonel Oldham comes to the 960 AACS from the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron, where he served as the director of operations. 

Upon gratefully receiving command, Colonel Oldham addressed the Vikings saying, "I am proud to become a part of your squadron and looking forward to sharing adventures."
Colonel Brundidge passed on his command saying to Colonel Oldham, "the Vikings are ready and excited to follow your lead."