JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska –
Alaska Army National Guard Col. David Kang succeeded Col. Anthony Mortrud as the 38th Troop Command commander during an Aug. 1 change-of-command ceremony at JBER.
38th TC comprises 49th Missile Defense Battalion, responsible for ground-based midcourse ballistic missile defense at Fort Greely, as well as JBER-based organizations 207th Aviation Troop Command, a multi-purpose helicopter aviation unit, and 103rd Civil Support Team, a first-response unit designed to protect Alaska’s communities from hazardous materials.
“The 38th Troop Command is unlike any other formation in the Army National Guard,” Mortrud said. “Our units possess unique capabilities that are vital to Alaska and our nation.”
Mortrud thanked 38th TC personnel for their service during his command.
“Serving as your brigade commander has been the greatest privilege of my military career,” Mortrud said. “Every success this brigade has achieved has been because of the professionalism, dedication and selfless service of our Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, warrant officers, commissioned officers, civilians and families. You made this organization stronger every day, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside you.”
Col. Aaron Kelsey, AKARNG Land Component commander and the ceremony’s presiding officer, underlined the challenge of Mortrud commanding an organization as complex as 38th TC.
“When you took command, you did not just take charge of a unit; you took responsibility for one of the most operationally demanding, geographically dispersed and technically complex formations in the state,” Kelsey said. “From aviation to missile defense, from civil support to disaster response, you were asked to manage the impossible. Through your exceptional vision, your calm demeanor under pressure, and your unwavering dedication, you pushed this command to achieve the extraordinary.”
Kelsey commended Mortrud for his coordination and command of aviation support for the Alaska Organized Militia’s response to Typhoon Halong, the fall 2025 storm that devastated Western Alaska.
“Disasters of that magnitude bring chaos,” Kelsey said. “They bring uncertainty to the home front. But when the call came, your team seamlessly integrated with the Joint Staff in the Joint Operations Center. That massive disaster response was heavily supported by the 207th Aviation. Tony, under your leadership and vision, this unit maintained itself as a premier aviation formation.”
Kelsey spoke about the challenges of maintaining 49th MDB’s around-the-clock mission.
“The fire direction crews and the military police Soldiers of the 49th maintain an unparalleled level of technical proficiency and operational readiness,” Kelsey said. “They stand the watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. They do not take holidays off. They execute a no-fail mission to protect the homeland — to protect all 330 million Americans. Tony, your leadership ensured that this shield remained strong, vigilant and ready.”
Kelsey said the 103rd CST provided hazardous material response coverage in support of civil authorities.
“The 103rd Civil Support Team continued to prove, day in and day out, why they are the absolute best in the business,” Kelsey said. “Over the course of your command, they conducted 15 real-world missions, working shoulder-to-shoulder with local, state and federal partners. They kept training for the worst-case scenario, pushing their limits, and testing multi-agency disaster coordination throughout Alaska.”
Kelsey said Mortrud’s legacy will leave a longstanding and positive mark on the 38th TC.
“You leave the 38th Troop Command better than when you received it; more resilient, and more lethal than you found it,” Kelsey said. “You have run your leg of the race brilliantly. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and support. I could not have asked for a better brigade commander.”
Kelsey charged Kang with continuing the unit’s momentum and keeping 38th TC ready for state and worldwide contingencies.
“Dave, the burden of command you assume today is heavy,” Kelsey said. “The challenges ahead will undoubtedly test you. You will face constrained resources, complex training environments, and the unpredictable nature of both natural disasters and global threats. But having looked at your record and knowing the content of your character, I know you possess exactly the qualities [required]. You are the right leader, at the right time, for this command.
“I charge you today to continue pushing the envelope on readiness,” Kelsey continued. “Do not accept the status quo. I charge you to care deeply for these Soldiers and their families, for they are the Alaska Army National Guard’s most precious resource. And most importantly, I charge you to ensure that this command remains ever prepared to answer the call – whether that call comes from a local Alaskan community in crisis, or from a combatant commander half a world away.”
Kang said it is important for him to continue to build teams and understand challenges facing 38th TC’s units and Soldiers, so he can advocate for the right resources and training.
Kang issued four imperatives for the 38th TC.
“Be ready, be relevant, be optimistic and be professional,” he said.