Former AFOSI commander bids farewell to command

  • Published
  • By Capt. Dave Wilson
  • Headquarters, Air Force Office of Special Investigations Public Affairs
After 33 years of faithful service, Brig. Gen. Dana A. Simmons, former commander of AFOSI, retired from active duty on a beautiful spring morning in front of family members, good friends and long-time AFOSI co-workers under the relatively new Air Force monument.

Ambassador Francis X. Taylor, former Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security, as well as the former US Ambassador-at-Large, Counterterrorism, officiated for the ceremony.

For five years, General Simmons served as the senior leader for the AFOSI, a field operating agency (FOA), headquartered at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.

Prior to his assignment as commander, he also served as AFOSI's vice commander.

Under General Simmons' command, AFOSI developed over 1,100 target packages, seized 25 tons of munitions and participated in more than 1,700 neutralizations.

General Simmons offered some final comments to all the attendees.

General Simmons said that his retirement and departure are made a bit easier knowing that the 3,300 "magnificent" women and men of AFOSI are left in the hands of such a great leadership team.

"My family thanks you for what you do every day for our great country. Your sacrifices and contributions have made AFOSI one of the best investigative agencies in the world. Your contributions to the Air Force are invaluable to our mission to defend our nation's freedom and way of life. We want all of you to know that we are proud of each and every one of you. We are proud to have served alongside you."

General Simmons relinquished command of AFOSI to Colonel Kevin Jacobsen during a change of command ceremony held at Joint Base Andrews-NAF Washington, Md., April 6.