An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Colonel Bulkley takes helm at 141st ARW

  • Published
  • By Maj. Brad Benson
  • 141st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  In a ceremony at Club Fairchild Saturday, Col. Gregory A. Bulkley became the 25th commander of the 141st Air Refueling Wing here.

"The people of this unit have proudly served our nation for over 80 years", said Colonel Bulkley. "I am afforded an opportunity to command an amazing group of people in an organization with a magnificent heritage."

Colonel Bulkley is a veteran pilot with over 8,000 hours flying in T-37, T-38, KC-135 A/E/R, Boeing 727 and Airbus A-319/320 aircraft. He has been stationed at Fairchild for 21 years. He previously served as the 141st ARW Operations Group commander and the 116th Air Refueling Squadron commander.

The colonel voluntarily deployed on numerous contingency missions, including: Operation Desert Storm, Operation Decisive Endeavor, Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Allied Force, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

As a citizen Airman, Colonel Bulkley is also a pilot with United Airlines. He is taking a leave of absence from that career to serve full time as the 141st ARW wing commander.

Colonel Bulkley looks forward to the challenge as the wing evolves into an associate unit with the 92nd Air Refueling Wing. "It's not the first time we've experienced change, nor will it be the last - with change comes challenge and with challenge comes opportunity."

"We will be the first unit of this kind," said Colonel Bulkley. "Our task is to create a template for others to follow."

It's also important to recognize the traditional Air Guard concept, volunteers who are ready to serve their country but must balance the needs of their civilian employers. "We will remain respectful of the 83 year history of this organization, its volunteer heritage and its record of success," he said.

Outgoing commander, Gary Magonigle, was promoted to brigadier general immediately before the change of command ceremony. General Magonigle took command of the Washington Air National Guard Sunday.