Colonel Jacobsen assumes leadership of Air Force Office of Special Investigations

  • Published
  • By Capt. Dave Wilson
  • Headquartwers, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Public Affairs
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. --  Colonel Kevin Jacobsen officially took command of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations during a change of command ceremony held at Joint Base Andrews-NAF Washington, Md., April 6 in Hangar 3. The ceremony was hosted by the Inspector General of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Marc E. Rogers.

Colonel Jacobsen received the AFOSI guidon from General Rogers, officially denoting the departure of Brig. Gen. Dana A. Simmons. The change of command ceremony was attended by nearly 400 Airmen represented by AFOSI Special Agents, DoD employees and members of the Jacobsen and Simmons families.

General Rogers presided over the change of command and began by complimenting the men and women of AFOSI. "You make a huge difference ... You are our best Airmen," he stated.

General Rogers went on to commend General Simmons on his leadership of AFOSI. "During his command, AFOSI developed over 1,100 target packages, seized 25 tons of munitions and participated in more than 1,700 neutralizations," he said. "That's what success looks like!"

Praising Colonel Jacobsen, General Rogers said, "He's ready to lead OSI ... He's the right guy for the job."

In his last remarks as AFOSI commander, General Simmons graciously thanked all those who helped him over the past five years and during his career. He also paid homage to AFOSI's fallen. "They sacrificed all for our country," he said. "I feel so proud to have served with such selfless people."

General Simmons also lauded the members of AFOSI. "OSI is made up of true professionals ... We are a great team!"

Addressing AFOSI for the first time as their commander, Colonel Jacobsen thanked General Rogers for entrusting him. "In time of war, I consider this a distinct honor," he remarked.

"I'm deeply humbled and proud to be in this command," Colonel Jacobsen continued. "You have laid a foundation - an awesome platform! Because of your service, you have had a real impact on the Air Force."

Leading up to his selection as AFOSI commander, Colonel Jacobsen served as the Special Investigations director for General Rogers at the Pentagon, Washington, DC, where he led a directorate in developing and implementing all Air Force-level plans and policies concerning criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations. Colonel Jacobsen represented the Air Force in all policy, planning, resource, and program matters concerning criminal investigations, counterintelligence, and counter-threat operational issues with the Department of Defense and other governmental departments and agencies.

This is Colonel Jacobsen's 30th year of service in the Air Force, and he was selected for the rank of brigadier general last month.

As the commander of AFOSI, Colonel Jacobsen will now lead more than 3,300 people in their mission to identify, exploit and neutralize criminal, terrorist and intelligence threats to the Air Force, Department of Defense and U.S. government.

General Simmons, who has commanded AFOSI since 2005 and led it through some very tough times for the command, is retiring after 33 years of service and moving to his home in San Antonio, Texas, with his family.