DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Maj. Gen. Frank “Les” Bradfield III received command of 22nd Air Force from Chief of the Air Force Reserve and Commander of Air Force Reserve Command Lt. Gen. John P. Healy, during a change of command ceremony at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., June 7, 2025.
Bradfield took command from outgoing 22nd AF Commander Maj. Gen. Melissa A. Coburn, who is moving to the Pentagon where she will be the director of Air Force Reserve Personnel at U.S Air Force headquarters. Her new responsibilities include positioning the Air Force Reserve to support combatant commander requirements worldwide.
Healy introduced the incoming commander, whose call sign is ‘Anchor,’ by noting Bradfield’s unusual path of graduating from The Citadel and serving in the Navy before becoming an Air Force Reservist.
Healy praised Bradfield, saying, “I’ve seen firsthand how Anchor builds trust and confidence, meeting people where they’re at, and raises the bar by inspiring the Airmen to do better.”
All three generals, dressed in green flight suits and standing before an audience of military members, elected officials, civic leaders, family and friends, reflected on the importance of the 22nd AF to our nation’s defense.
“From combat missions to humanitarian relief, the capabilities of 22nd Air Force remain essential to today’s complex and dynamic global environment,” said Bradfield. “We will continue 22nd Air Force’s proud tradition of service and excellence. Today we will build upon Lt. Gen. Healy’s charge of ‘Ready Now’ and ‘Transform for the Future.’”
Twenty-Second Air Force is one of three numbered air forces, or NAFs, in the Air Force Reserve Command. It is a combat-ready force comprised of more than 50 aircraft, ranging from fixed-wing to rotary-wing, and more than 12,000 Reserve Citizen Airmen.
Coburn told her successor that he was inheriting a truly exceptional organization.
“Looking back on my time as the commander here, I am filled with immense admiration for the men and women who made 22nd Air Force the powerhouse that it is,” said Coburn. “We may be the smallest NAF, Sir, but we are the best, for sure.”
Bradfield will be responsible for the Air Force Reserve’s tactical airlift capability provided by units flying the C-130. In addition to airlift, 22nd AF units’ mission sets include tactical airlift and airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, weather reconnaissance, fire suppression, civil engineering, distinguished visitor airlift and undergraduate pilot training.
Prior to his new assignment, Bradfield served as the Deputy Commander of Air Force Reserve Command, headquartered at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., where he was responsible for the daily operations of the command, consisting of approximately 70,000 Reserve Citizen Airmen and more than 300 aircraft.