Little Rock, Ark. (June 25, 2018) – Effective June 25, Air Force Maj. Darris Johnson will take command of the U.S. Air Force 19th Communications Squadron in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Maj. Johnson is a native of Fayetteville and attended E.E. Smith High, then later Terry Sanford High where he graduated in 2000. He then went on to attend Fayetteville State University where he received a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2005. He was commissioned through the university’s Air Force ROTC Program.
“I’m humbled and excited to be selected as the 19th Communication Squadron Commander,” said Maj. Johnson. “Through a T.E.A.M. philosophy of leveraging our Talents, serving with Excellence, Advancing our technology through innovation, and remaining Mission-focused, our unit will be able to provide the capabilities necessary to ensure mission success at Little Rock Air Force Base.”
In his new role, Maj. Johnson will lead a team of 100 Airmen who serve as the central hub for ensuring a secure and accessible computer network on base. They send security updates, patches and install new software while also providing essential customer support.
“The Mission Support Group is excited for Major Darris Johnson and his family to join the team,” said Col. Jennifer Allee, the 19th Mission Support Group commander. “As the 19th Communication Squadron Commander, he will be a vital link to generating combat airlift here at Little Rock Air Force Base. He is joining a team of professionals that support the entire installation for supply, engineering, human resources, contracting, communications and security forces.”
The communications squadron falls under the Mission Support Group and is part of the 19th Airlift Wing (Air Mobility Command), which provides the Department of Defense mission ready Airmen and supports the largest combat aircraft (C-130) fleet in the world. The wing’s responsibilities range from supplying humanitarian airlift relief to victims of disasters, to airdropping supplies and troops into the heart of contingency operations in hostile areas, as well as supporting base partners as the host unit.
Maj. Johnson has received the following major awards and decorations over his 13 years of service:
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Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster
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Joint Service Commendation Medal with “C” device
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Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters
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Afghanistan Campaign Medal
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Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
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Humanitarian Service Medal
He is married to Tia and together they have a son, Jayden.
About Little Rock AFB
The local community purchased 6,103 acres, then donated them to the Air Force in 1952. Construction of the base began in November 1953 and Little Rock Air Force Base opened its gates Oct. 9, 1955. Its missions have been diverse over the years: Bombers, reconnaissance, missiles and cargo have all called Little Rock AFB home. While the mission of Team Little Rock has changed over the years, the community partnerships have remained strong.
About 19th Airlift Wing
The 19th Airlift Wing (Air Mobility Command) is the host wing and provides the Department of Defense mission ready Airmen and supports the largest C-130 fleet in the world. As part of AMC’s Global Reach capability, the wing’s responsibilities range from supplying humanitarian airlift relief to victims of disasters, to airdropping supplies and troops into the heart of contingency operations in hostile areas as well as supporting base partners as the host unit.
