Hill AFB Welcomes Col. Ken Merchant

Aero-News has learned Colonel Ken Merchant, formerly commander of the 551st Electronic Systems Wing at Massachusetts Hanscom Air Force Base, assumed his duties as vice commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Center last Monday.

"I’ve had some recent experience at the depot in Oklahoma City having run the Contractor Logistics Support Group there," said Col. Merchant. "More recently, I was involved in establishing a major partnering agreement between the Oklahoma ALC, Boeing, Air Combat Command and Electronic Systems Center in support of the E-3 Sentry (AWACS) modernization program so I believe I can be a contributing member of the leadership team."

A 25-year veteran of the Air Force, this is Merchant's first assignment to Hill. He was also recently nominated for promotion to brigadier general -- which is awaiting final Congressional approval.

In his new duties, Merchant will be responsible for assisting Major General Kevin J. Sullivan, Ogden ALC commander, in providing oversight of the five wings comprising the Center -- the 75th Air Base Wing, the 84th Combat Sustainment Wing, the 309th Maintenance Wing, the 508th Aircraft Sustainment Wing and the 526th Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Systems Wing.

"I welcome Col. Merchant to help lead the Ogden Air Logistics Center as we accomplish our mission to support our operational forces on schedule, with the best quality at the lowest cost,” said General Sullivan.

Hill AFB is one of the largest bases in the US Air Force, and is Utah's largest employer. More than 23,715 people are employed by the base, with about 70 percent of that total comprised of military and civilian employees as well as contractors associated with the various missions and core competencies of the Center. 

FMI: www.hill.af.mil/main