The 19th Combat Air Base Squadron was activated during an assumption of command ceremony at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Oct. 6, 2025. The event marked a major milestone for the installation and the 19th Airlift Wing’s transition to a Deployable Combat Wing (DCW). During the activation ceremony, U.S. Air Force Col. Bret Echard, 19th AW and installation commander, presented Lt. Col. Freddie Stephens II, 19th CABS commander, with the unit’s newly crafted ceremonial guidon, representing the acceptance of leadership of the squadron. (U.S. Air Force video) More