Walker assumes the role of Assistant Adjutant General- Air, Delaware National Guard

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Gwendolyn Blakley

ARMY AVIATION SUPPORT FACILITY, Del.- On Saturday February 11, 2017 a change of command ceremony was held to commemorate a change of leadership for the position of Assistant Adjutant General- Air, Delaware National Guard. Colonel David B. Walker assumed the position as the AAG as Brig. Gen. Carol A. Timmons relinquished command.


Col. Walker is the former vice commander of the 166th Airlift Wing, Delaware Air National Guard. While serving as vice commander Walker assisted the wing commander of the 166th Airlift Wing with leading over 1200 Airmen; overseeing a mission including tactical airlift and airdrop of troops, cargo, and passengers using C130H2 aircraft.

Walker’s military career spans close to thirty years, beginning with his commission into the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in 1989. A career including achievements as a naval officer along with a myriad of senior leadership positions after commissioning into the Air National Guard in 2002, now includes the assumption as the AAG.

The timing of this change of command is significant, held during the February month regularly scheduled drill weekend. As Walker steps into the role of AAG he replaced Timmons on Saturday. As Timmons steps up into the role of Adjutant General, DNG she replaces Major General Frank Vavala, as the first women to serve as TAG of this unit, and the first female Major General of the DNG.

During the change of command ceremony Major. Gen. Frank Vavala saluted Timmons for her service and dedication serving in the role of AAG, and congratulated Walker on his assumption of command.

Timmons shared words of gratitude to the men and women of the Delaware National Guard, and described the role of a leader.

“Each Airmen must step up and be prepared for the next level. A good leader prepares for the next assignment. We talk about it, we implement force development, so that when the time comes it is an easy transition. Every Airman and soldier is responsible for his or her career. Your focus is to be the best that you can be at your current level. Focus on your mission, focus on your team, but be prepared for the next level.”

After the DNG guidon was placed in hands of Col. Walker from Gen. Vavala, as a symbolic resemblance of transition of leadership, he gave his first salute to the troops, and shared a few words with the men and women of the Delaware National Guard.

“The opportunity to lead the Delaware Air National Guard into the future is my pleasure and honor. We must all strive to be professionals. The nation needs us, the state depends on us, and our communities believe in us. We must be ready to answer the call," said Walker.

Members of the DNG both active and retired, members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, which is the State Partnership Program counterpart of the DNG, family members, and friends of Walker and Timmons were in attendance.

Family members are essential to the success of the careers of military men and women. Both leaders discussed the importance of family while addressing the audience. Timmons expressed her gratitude to her family members including wife Ms. Lynn Wass.

Walker took a moment to share his appreciation of the support provided by his wife Crystal and sons Alec and Adam during the ceremony.

“Crystal is the smartest, most generous woman I’ve ever known. Words can’t begin to describe my appreciation for the sacrifices she has made for our family over 26 years of marriage.”