Alaska Air National Guard welcomes new commander

Courtesy Photo | Col. Scott Howard was selected to be the assistant adjutant general and commander of the Alaska Air National Guard, and he began his new role on Feb. 1, 2019. In his capacity as assistant adjutant general-Air and commander, Howard is responsible for the development and implementation of strategy, policy, plans, and initiatives for the Alaska Air National Guard. (Courtesy photo)  

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, UNITED STATES

02.14.2019

Story by Lt. Col. Candis Olmstead 

Alaska National Guard Public Affairs   

Col. Scott Howard was recently selected to be the assistant adjutant general and commander of the Alaska Air National Guard, and he began his new role on Feb. 1.

In his capacity as assistant adjutant general-Air and commander, Howard is responsible for the development and implementation of strategy, policy, plans, and initiatives for the Alaska Air National Guard.

As commander, Howard ensures over 2,300 Air Guardsmen in the Joint Forces Headquarters Air staff and at two wings—located at JBER and Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks—are organized, trained, and equipped to support state and federal missions world-wide. Missions include airlift, aerial refueling, search and rescue, air control, and space warning and surveillance capabilities in support of peacetime and contingency operations.

"I am truly humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead the highly professional, disciplined, and dedicated members of the Alaska Air National Guard," said Howard. "It's a real privilege to serve alongside such an amazing team, and I look forward to continuing with this team in my new role."

Howard most recently served as director of staff for the Alaska Air National Guard and was chosen by Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Torrence Saxe for the increased responsibility of being the Alaska Air Guard’s top leader.

“Col. Howard has commanded at the flight, squadron and group levels, and his leadership and air defense experience make him uniquely qualified to lead the AKNG into the future,” said Saxe in a commander’s note to Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Alaska National Guard personnel.

Howard enlisted in the Air Force in 1991 as an airborne warning and control systems journeyman. He received his commission in 1998 as a graduate of Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He joined the Alaska Air National Guard in May of 2003. Prior to his current appointment, he served as director of staff, Alaska Air National Guard at JBER; commander of the 168th Mission Support Group at Eielson AFB; and commander of the 176th Air Defense Squadron at JBER, in addition to other command and leadership assignments with operations and support functions.

Howard’s selection to replace him in the director of staff role is Col. John Oberst, who is currently vice commander at the 168th Wing. Oberst is expected to assume the new role in early April.

• Date Taken: 02.14.2019
• Date Posted: 02.14.2019 20:41
• Story ID: 310835
• Location: JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, US
• Hometown: EAGLE RIVER, AK, US