18th FIS Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nathan Mondul, 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron commander, right, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from U.S. Air Force Col. Samuel Chipman, 354th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 8, 2026. The 18th FIS utilizes F-16 Fighting Falcons to provide aerospace control for homeland defense missions in the Alaskan Theater of Operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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18th FIS Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nathan Mondul, 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron commander, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 8, 2026. The 18th FIS utilizes F-16 Fighting Falcons to provide aerospace control for homeland defense missions in the Alaskan Theater of Operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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18th FIS Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nathan Mondul, 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron commander, renders his final salute to members of the 18th FIS during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 8, 2026. The 18th FIS organizes, trains and equips F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots with the knowledge and expertise to continue support of the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region extending into the Arctic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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18th FIS Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nathan Mondul, right, relinquishes command of the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron to U.S. Air Force Col. Samuel Chipman, 354th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 8, 2026. The ceremony features the passing of the guidon from the outgoing to the incoming commander, ensuring continuity of authority and accountability before the assembled unit and underscoring the Air Force’s commitment to discipline and heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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18th FIS Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Maj. Harrison Gebs, right, assumes command of the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron from U.S. Air Force Col. Samuel Chipman, 354th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 8, 2026. The ceremony features the passing of the guidon from the outgoing to the incoming commander, ensuring continuity of authority and accountability before the assembled unit and underscoring the Air Force’s commitment to discipline and heritage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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18th FIS Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Maj. Harrison Gebs, 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron commander, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 8, 2026. The change of command ceremony is an American military tradition deeply rooted in history, signifying the authority of the incoming commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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18th FIS Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Maj. Harrison Gebs, 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron commander, renders his first salute to members of the 18th FIS during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 8, 2026. The 18th FIS organizes, trains and equips F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots with the knowledge and expertise to continue support of the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region extending into the Arctic. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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18th FIS Change of Command

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Daniel MaComber, 18th Fighter Generation Squadron F-16 Fighting Falcon dedicated crew chief, unveils the name of the new 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron commander on an F-16 during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 8, 2026. The change of command ceremony is an American military tradition deeply rooted in history, signifying the authority of the incoming commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)

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18th FIS Change of Command

Published May 11, 2026
By Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski
354th Fighter Wing

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nathan Mondul, 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron commander, right, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from U.S. Air Force Col. Samuel Chipman, 354th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, May 8, 2026. The 18th FIS utilizes F-16 Fighting Falcons to provide aerospace control for homeland defense missions in the Alaskan Theater of Operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Paczkowski)