AFIA changes commanders Published Aug. 5, 2011 By Marie Vanover 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base -- Col. Heraldo B. Brual relinquished command of the Air Force Inspection Agency here to Col. Paul W. Tibbets IV during a change of command ceremony July 27 at the Mountain View Club. Lt. Gen. Marc E. Rogers, the Inspector General of the Air Force, was the presiding officer. After thanking the community leaders in attendance, the general lauded the accomplishments of Brual and spoke to the Agency's stature as a center of excellence to strengthen the Air Force missions. The general recognized Brual's accomplishments by presenting him with a Legion of Merit for his achievements while commander. After the official passing of the guidon, Tibbets said he was honored and appreciative of the opportunity to command and continue the excellence that AFIA is known for, and also acknowledged the attitude of excellence he had seen displayed all over Kirtland Air Force Base. He addressed the men and women of AFIA specifically, saying, "AFIA has evolved over the years, but one thing has not changed ... the commitment by each and every (AFIA) member to make our Air Force better for everyone." The colonel closed by saying he would serve with passion, humility, courage and respect. Tibbets comes to AFIA from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, where he served as vice commander. He received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989. His previous assignments include B-1 pilot at Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; B-2 instructor pilot, director of operations for the 325th/13th Bomb Squadron, director of staff of the 509th Bomb Wing, and 393rd Bomb Squadron commander at Whiteman AFB, Mo.; executive officer for the Eighth Air Force commander at Barksdale AFB, La.; and chief of the nuclear policy branch at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He is a command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours.