Home  /  Media  /  News  /  2024  /  Dual Change of Command Introduces New Force and E-3A Component Commanders

GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany – Major General Andreas Korb assumed command from Major General Thomas E. Kunkel as the Commander of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEW&CF), and Brigadier General Stefan W. Neumann handed over command of the E-3A Component to Brigadier General (Sel) Kristen D. Thompson during a ceremony held at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen on June 21, 2024.

Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) Admiral Sir Keith Blount presided over the ceremony. 

During his Change of Command speech, Major General Kunkel reflected on his time as Commander of the NAEW&CF sharing his appreciation for his team, Force members, families and friends for their hard work. “When I arrived, we were recovering from a global pandemic. I witnessed every member of the Force not let it change the efficiency at which we operated. Shortly after, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine had a huge impact on our operations tempo. You overcame those challenges and I want to thank you for that. Together, our accomplishments will ensure the NATO AWACS capabilities for many years to come.”

Major General Korb (right) assumes command of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force. Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Sarver. 

Major General Kunkel (right) relinquishes command of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force. Photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Sarver.

Admiral Blount congratulated Major General Kunkel on an outstanding command while welcoming Major General Korb. He said: “I am honoured to welcome Major General Korb to his new position as Commander of NAEW&CF. Your exemplary leadership and dedication will undoubtedly allow this organization to carry on their path of operational excellence, and achieve new heights.”

Major General Korb was previously the Director of Aviation Safety of the German Armed Forces, Cologne. Major General Korb has logged more than 2.300 flying hours, mainly on the Tornado.

During the ceremony, Brigadier General Neumann thanked all the men and women of the E-3A Component that served under his command, "I am proud of all the women and men who supported, planned, and executed our tasks. Your passion, readiness, and commitment to the mission makes a difference to NATO and keeps our Alliance safer.”

Brigadier General (Sel) Thompson joins the E-3A Component from Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, where she served as Commander, 55th Wing. Brigadier General Thompson (Sel) is a command pilot with more than 3,800 flying hours, including more than 700 combat hours in the U.S. and the NATO E-3 AWACS.

Brigadier General (Sel) Thompson (right) assumes command of the E-3A Component. Photo by Melanie Becker. 

Brigadier General Neumann (right) relinquishes command of the E-3A Component. Photo by Melanie Becker. 

Major General Kunkel will officially retire from the U.S. Air Force later this year with more than 29 years of military service, while Brigadier General Neumann will take up the position of General Manager of NATO’s Airborne Early Warning and Control Programme Management Agency in January 2025.