Col. David Hardy took over as commander of the 72nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron in a change of command ceremony on June 22.
Immediately before coming to Tinker Air Force Base for the position, Hardy was the exchange medical officer for the U.S. Air Force/Royal Australian Air Force, where he served since 2016.
He received his doctorate in osteopathic medicine from the University of Health Sciences in 2000. He has been awarded a NATO medal, campaign medals from Iraq and Afghanistan, an Air Medal and several other recognitions.
The 72nd AMDS includes about 164 healthcare professionals focused on medical intervention, health care programs and more, serving a population of nearly 42,000 military, family and base employees.
Hardy said he is excited to be at Tinker AFB and looks forward to the challenge and chance to work with the team.
Col. Jennifer L. Trinkle, commander of 72nd Medical Group, said she believes Hardy will be “a tremendous asset” in supporting the wing mission and leading the squadron.
“As one chapter in the 72nd AMDS ends, another chapter begins. We do not rebuild in the military, we simply reload,” Trinkle said.
“(Dave) you are unquestionably the right leader at the right time to guide, mentor and command the best aerospace medicine squadron in the Air Force.”
Col. Chris Matthews, outgoing commander of the 72nd AMDS, discussed the efforts and hard work the aerospace medicine team does, comparing it to the importance of different parts of the body in making it function.
“We’re part of that freedom and justice, and we’re avengers and (the squadron is) a piece of that. None of that stuff happens without what we do in this room. So thank you for letting me be a part of what you’ve done,” Matthews said.