71st Security Forces Squadron gets a new commander

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Tyler Gross
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  An assumption of command ceremony for the 71st Security Forces Squadron at Vance is scheduled at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Vance Collocated Club.

Capt. Douglas Whitehead, coming to Vance from Lackland AFB, Texas, will be the squadron's new commander. He brings a well-rounded set of skills to the installation's security force.

Captain Whitehead, who has participated in a myriad of security forces missions ranging from integrated base defense and law enforcement to nuclear weapons security, will now lead the men and women of the 71st SFS.

In addition Captain Whitehead has deployed five times to Iraq and Afghanistan over the past 10 years. His wartime record includes participating in everything from the first major ground offensive in Iraq to the first three Iraqi elections in the post Saddam Hussein era.

He plans to put his extensive experience to use serving Vance members and Enid neighbors. "We will continue to provide outstanding customer support," said Captain Whitehead. "We will be out front, leading the way for team Vance."