June 15, 2026 81st TRG welcomes Col. Heliker as new commander U.S. Air Force Col. Jill Heliker assumed command of the 81st Training Group from Col. Michael Powell, during a change of command ceremony officiated by Col. Christopher Robinson, 81st Training Wing commander on June 12, 2026.
June 10, 2026 Carrying the torch: “Flying Jennies” assume airlift mission in Africa There was no formal ceremony marking the transition. No guidon passed from one commander to another. Instead, a moment represented something larger, the passing of a torch that lights the path of Air Force airlift across the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.After months of operations