Brewer takes command of 176th Mission Support Group

Alaska Air National Guard Col. Christen Brewer assumed command as the 176th Mission Support Group commander during a Nov. 24, 2026, ceremony at JBER.

Brewer succeeded Col. Matthew Kirby, a career combat rescue officer, who recently deployed overseas on short notice.

Brig. Gen. Joshua Armstrong, 176th Wing commander and presiding officer for the ceremony, hailed Kirby's service as 176th MSG commander that leaned on his previous experience in the Army infantry and Air Force rescue.

"Matt Kirby is a leader of immense character," Armstrong said. "So, as an Army Ranger and also a combat rescue officer, he has served in everything as an infantry platoon leader in Iraq to the commander of the 212th Rescue Squadron.

"As the MSG commander, Matt brought that warrior ethos and deep commitment of service to the mission support group making it stronger and even more capable than it was before," Armstrong continued. "We thank him for his incredible leadership as well as his powerful and positive [example]."

Armstrong underlined the importance of the 176th MSG in providing critical multi-functional support to wing operations.

"From the civil engineers who keep our facilities up and running, to the force support squadron who cares for our people, to the logistics readiness that moves the mission, and the security forces who defend it, and finally the [communications] squadron who links it all together, you are the bedrock of this wing, and you make everything else possible," Armstrong said.

Armstrong said the group accomplished much during Kirby's tenure, and Brewer is ready to carry on the unit's tradition of excellence.

"That legacy of service and leadership now passes to an exceptional officer," Armstrong said. "To appreciate the responsibility that she is assuming, we must recognize the immense scope and staggering achievements of the mission support group."

To further his point, Armstrong highlighted 176th MSG's 2025 national-level awards including:

• 176th Civil Engineer Squadron: Maj. Gen. Robert H. Curtin Award for Reserve Component (Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard) outstanding civil engineer unit
• 176th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department: Chief Master Sgt. Ralph E. Sanborn Fire Department of the Year Award, Department of the Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Hoyd O. Sanders Award for outstanding military fire officer of the year
• 176th Force Support Squadron: Swept the Reserve Component Airman, noncommissioned officer, and senior NCO awards in addition to the Air Force education and training team of the year
• 176th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance: Director of Safety Team Weapons Award

The ceremony took place under the tail boom of a 211th Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King combat search and rescue aircraft - appropriate since Brewer previously served in 211th RQS as an HC-130 combat systems officer. Early in her career, Brewer served as an F-15E Strike Eagle CSO.

Armstrong said Brewer's worldwide experience places her in good stead to lead the group.

"As an officer who served around the globe, she understands the complexity of our mission, but most importantly she understands our people," Armstrong said before addressing 176th MSG Airmen directly. "You have a powerful legacy behind you and a highly capable leader ready to guide you forward."

Armstrong said he expects 176th MSG to continue to excel under Brewer's command.

"The mission is always changing, but your excellence has been constant," Armstrong said. "Keep taking care of each other, keep crushing the mission, and keep setting that standard."

Brewer said she is taking command of a cadre of mission support experts.

"The mission doesn't happen without the people who make it possible," Brewer said. "You are a team of exceptional leaders, dedicated Airmen and true professionals. I recognized the depth of expertise, commitment and pride that exist across this group."

Brewer offered 176th MSG a pledge.

"My commitment is to lead with purpose, lead with an open mind, and advocate for this group at every opportunity," Brewer said. "We'll tackle challenges together, find solutions, remove barriers, and ensure the MSG is positioned to deliver on wing priorities and the demands of our state and our nation."