U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Berkland, outgoing 56th Fighter Wing commander, relinquishes command to Col. Nicholas Ihde, incoming 56th FW commander, during a change of command and major command reassignment ceremony at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, July 17, 2026. The ceremony marked the transfer of leadership of the U.S. Air Force's largest fighter wing and included the wing's reassignment from Air Education and Training Command to Air Combat Command. (U.S. Air Force video by Daniel Eby)
The 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, made history during a change of command and major command reassignment ceremony held July 17 as the wing officially transitioned from Air Education and Training Command (AETC) to Air Combat Command (ACC) marking a historic milestone for the base while ushering in new leadership for the installation.
