Photo By Senior Airman Saisha Cornett | U.S. Air Force Col. Bret Echard, 19th Airlift Wing and installation commander,...... read more read more
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LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. – The 19th Combat Air Base Squadron (CABS) was activated during an assumption of command ceremony, Oct. 6, 2025, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The event marked a major milestone for the installation and the 19th Airlift Wing’s transition to a Deployable Combat Wing (DCW).
During the activation ceremony, U.S. Air Force Col. Bret Echard, 19th AW and installation commander, presented Lt. Col. Freddie Stephens II, 19th CABS commander, with the unit’s newly crafted ceremonial guidon, representing the acceptance of leadership of the squadron.
“I’m sure Tyndall [AFB] was sad to lose such an incredible leader and family, but you are the right person, at the right place, at the right time to start this unit,” Echard said. “I have no doubt that you will lead out front while we continue to grow our DCW.”
In his new role, Stephens will lead a squadron charged with providing critical sustainment and support functions needed to ensure the 19th AW can deploy as a cohesive, mission-ready unit.
This is part of the U.S. Air Force’s effort to shift from crowd-sourced deployments to cohesive Units of Action, and an opportunity for the squadron to blaze a new trail.
“Throughout history, we hear how we stand on the shoulders of giants. As the first DCW CABS in Air Mobility Command, the Air Force is going to stand on your shoulders from this point forward,” Stephens said as he addressed his squadron for the first time. “You are those giants now.”
The 19th CABS will train, certify and deploy together as part of the DCW Unit Type Code (UTC) and operate as an integral sustaining layer for the wing’s deployable combat capability.
“We will continue to build on the tradition of Team Little Rock, which is why we will carry forth the motto ‘one team, no seams,’” Stephens said. “It is going to take all of us to make it happen.”
The addition of the 19th CABS enhances the base’s ability to generate and deploy combat airpower in alignment with the Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) deployment cycle. The squadron will provide base operating support, sustainment, protection and airfield management that isn’t tied to a specific aircraft, allowing for better interoperability.
The emphasis on self-sufficiency and rapid adaptability underpins the very concept of a DCW, which is designed to create a more self-sufficient and rapidly deployable unit capable of projecting airpower in contested environments.
“It’s a mindset to provide critical support, readiness and operational capabilities enabling the men and women of Herk Nation to project airpower and strength worldwide,” Echard said. “The 19th CABS will serve as the backbone of our combat operations.”
The 19th CABS activation demonstrates the Air Force’s ability to adapt to answer today’s complex challenges while preparing mission-ready Airmen for high-end conflict and ensuring Little Rock AFB remains at the forefront of tactical airlift, rapid global mobility and future operations.
| Date Taken: | 10.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2025 15:38 |
| Story ID: | 550504 |
| Location: | LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, ARKANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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