News Release: McConnell Reserve Operations Group names first commander

  • Published
  • By 931st Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
  • 931st Air Refueling Wing
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Chief of Air Force Reserve recently approved Colonel Caroline B. Evernham as the first commander of the 931st Operations Group. Evernham, a command pilot with more than 2,000 hours in both the KC-135 Stratotanker and C-17 Globemaster, currently serves as commander of the 315th Operations Group at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. In her new role, Evernham will ultimately command more than 270 Airmen and assist the 931 ARW commander in recruting, organizing, training and equipping the more than 1000 members that will eventually make up the 931 ARW.

The 931st Operations Group was established as part of the 931 ARW’s designation last March. Evernham is one of the 400 personnel being added to the 931 ARW to meet the needs of the newly designated wing. Evernham will assume command of the 931 OG during an official ceremony scheduled Nov. 5, 2016.

Col. Mark. S. Larson, 931 ARW commander, said Evernham brings invaluable experience to the growing unit.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Colonel Evernham command the group,” he said. “She has years of experience with the KC-135 and I look forward to her contributions as we continue to grow as a wing and prepare for the arrival of the KC-46 .”

The 931 ARW will be the first Reserve unit to fly and maintain the new KC-46A Pegasus tanker. According to the official Air Force fact sheet, the KC-46A is intended to replace the U.S. Air Force's aging fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers which have been the Air Force’s primary refueling aircraft for more than 50 years. The KC-46A will provide more refueling capability and increased capacity for cargo as well as aeromedical evacuation. The KC-46A will provide aerial refueling to Air Force, Navy, Marine and allied nation aircraft.
For all media interested in attending the assumption of command ceremony, or to request more information about the 931 ARW, please contact the 931 ARW Public Affairs office at (316) 759-3704, or (316) 617-0550.