Col. Michael J. Kingsley assumes AFIA command

  • Published
  • By Sheila Rupp
  • Nucleus Staff
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  Col. Michael J. Kingsley received command of the Air Force Inspection Agency headquartered here July 12 from Lt. Gen. Ronald Sams, Air Force inspector general.

Prior to joining Team Kirtland, Colonel Kingsley served as the assistant deputy director for Special Operations, Operations Directorate, Joint Staff, Washington.

Colonel Kingsley hails from California and earned a bachelor's degree in accounting for California State University-Sacramento. The colonel received his commission through Air Force Officer Training School in 1984. The colonel began his Air Force career as a combat rescue helicopter pilot and transitioned into special operations in 1987.

Colonel Kingsley has held staff positions at the Air Staff and the Joint Special Operations Command staff and has commanded at both the squadron and group levels.

Colonel Kingsley has more than 3,200 flight hours as a command pilot and has flown the UH-1, HH-3, HH-53 and MH-53J/M.

He has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Superior Service Medal and various other accolades.

The agency's previous commander, Col. Thomas Berardinelli, retired in a ceremony July 12 after more than 26 years of Air Force service.

Mr. Berardinelli will join the 377th Air Base Wing as the new executive director Aug. 6. He will serve as senior civilian adviser to the installation commander. He will be responsible for resource management, plans and programs, regulatory and procedural compliance and providing management consultation to improve mission effectiveness and efficiency and resource savings.