LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- As Col. Denny Davies closes out his time as the 19th Airlift Wing and installation commander of Little Rock Air Force Base, he reflects on two years of leading a wing marked by innovation, resilience and a steadfast commitment to mission and community.
Under his leadership, Little Rock AFB became a driving force in shaping the future of the "Home of Herk Nation” and Air Mobility Command.
The wing led the way with initiatives like Maximum Endurance Operations, upgrades to the Warrior Airmen Readiness Center, Air Mobility Command’s first installation Expeditionary Air Base Lead Wing deployment and groundwork for the Air Force’s first Deployable Combat Wing.
While innovation and progress marked his time in command, the loss of teammates over the last two years remains among the most difficult moments of his tenure.
“When leaders state, usually before a holiday weekend, that we need everyone to come back to work safe and sound, that is not just a cliché," Davies said. “That statement is borne from the heartache of losing Airmen and family members over the years.”
His command also included significant community-centered milestones such as the rededication of “The Kenny” Walters Community Support Center and the dedication of the Herk Nation Legacy Monument honoring retired Gen. Norton Schwartz and most recently retired Gen. Mike Minihan.
“These projects and dedications show the intense devotion and passion our host communities have for the Airmen and families of this base,” Davies said.
Strengthening ties with the Greater Little Rock community was another priority. Early on, Davies engaged with local leaders to pursue initiatives that would better integrate the base and its surroundings. These efforts included restoring long-standing traditions and hosting the first leadership dinner for local, state, and federal officials at the installation residence in over a decade.
Davies noted that Little Rock AFB has been at the center of transformational change within the Air Force, adapting to new operational models with strong performance.
He highlighted innovations like the Hot Integrated Combat Turn, where the C-130 is simultaneously loaded, refueled and crew-swapped while engines remain running, a complex operation demonstrating Herk Nation’s tactical agility.
For Davies, commanding Herk Nation was the pinnacle of his career. He described the role as unmatched in significance for a C-130 airlifter and expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside the Airmen and families of Little Rock AFB.
“There’s simply nothing out there like this job. I never even considered this to be a job opportunity for me personally until a few years back,” Davies said. “These past two years have flown by. Years from now, I’ll remember the good times, the mission successes, and most importantly, the people.”
As he prepares to relinquish command of the 19th Airlift Wing, Davies urges Airmen to reflect on their critical role in the nation’s defense as the country approaches its 250th birthday.
“Be ready, be vigilant, and be proud to be part of this team,” Davies said. “It’s been my highest honor to lead you."