Keehn to command NJANG

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- The New Jersey Air National Guard has a new commander.

Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Keehn, of Bayville, assumed command of the state's 2,400 Airmen at a ceremony Aug. 13, 2016, at the 108th Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

He replaced Brig. Gen. Robert C. Bolton, of Rumson, who is retiring.

Keehn, a native of Jackson, enlisted in the active duty Air Force in 1975 as an in-flight refueling operator and joined the New Jersey Air National Guard's 108th Wing four years later. In 1984, Keehn was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Academy of Military Science at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tenn. After completing pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, Keehn rejoined New Jersey's 108th Wing as a KC-135 pilot.

"Although today seems to be about me, I cannot tell you how proud and honored I am to be the New Jersey Air National Guard commander," said Keehn at the change of command ceremony. "Not because of the title but because of all of you. I am in total awe of your dedication and willingness to accomplish your respective missions. No matter what is asked of you, you have always completed it in an outstanding manner."

Keehn went on to hold many key roles in the 108th Wing, including serving as both the 150th and 141st Air Refueling Squadron's operations director and, ultimately, the wing commander. He also served as the principal advisor to the Adjutant General for plans and requirements on matters pertaining to Military Support to Civilian Authorities.

Keehn has deployed multiple times in support of global contingency operations to include Operations Desert Storm I and II, Northern Watch, Joint Forge, Allied Force, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

As commander of the New Jersey Air National Guard, Keehn will oversee both the 108th Wing and the 177th Fighter Wing, which is based at the Atlantic City Air National Guard base, Egg Harbor Township.