LRS welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Frank McIntyre
  • 71st Flying Training Wing public affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Team Vance welcomed another new squadron commander when Maj. Darin Gibbs assumed command of 71st Logistics Readiness Squadron in a ceremony Tuesday at the Vance Club.

As 71st LRS commander, Gibbs is responsible for the supply, fuels, transportation and civil engineer flights. The squadron also provides readiness and mobility assistance..

"I am truly blessed, honored and humbled to be in command of the 71st Logistics Readiness Squadron," Gibbs said. "Command means making a difference not only in the mission, but making a difference in people's lives.

"It is an awesome responsibility to lead the great men and women on the 71st LRS, military, civilian and contractors alike. They are all doing great things and I'm looking forward to being a part of this superb team."

The new commander comes to Vance from the Navy War College in Newport , R.I. where he obtained his master's degree in national strategic decision making. He attended San Jose State University earning a Bachelor of Science in aviation operations and received his commission in 1993 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.

Gibbs received his first duty assignment to March AFB, Calif., where he was combat readiness and resources flight commander with the 722d Transportation Squadron. In 1996 he was stationed at Osan AB, Korea, as officer in charge of passenger service with the 631st Air Mobility Support Squadron followed by an assignment to the Travis AFB Calif., as air terminal operations center flight commander, 60th Aerial Port Squadron.

In 1999, Gibbs was assigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe inspector general where he was chief of transportation and logistics inspections.

In 2001, he was assigned to the USAFE staff, transportation directorate as chief of transportation programs dealing with mobility, in-transit visibility and deployment systems. In 2002, Gibbs was chief of logistics strategic planning and analysis within the logistics resources division where he monitored and approved all logistical financial actions needed to combat the Global War On Terrorism.

In 2003, Gibbs was assigned as operations officer, 21st LRS, Peterson AFB, Colo.

Gibbs is a commercial, multi-engine, instrument rated pilot and contributes his time and resources as a mission pilot with America's Angel Flight, transporting those less fortunate to receive necessary medical care.

He enjoys spending time with his family, following Dallas Cowboys football, anything to do with flying, business and investing/money management.

His major awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with two oak leaf clusters.

Gibbs and his wife Tina are the parents of two sons, Caleb, 6, and Colby, 2.