July 19, 2008 (Page 11A)

By Kristen M. Daum

Staff Writer

Col. Allen Jamerson became the first black commander of the 72nd Air Base Wing on Friday at Tinker Air Force Base.

Jamerson said he was proud to come to the air base. He officially took command of the air base wing during a ceremony Friday morning.

Jamerson comes to Oklahoma after serving for one year as vice commander of the 42nd Air Base Wing at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.

In his new role, Jamerson is responsible for a $261 million operating budget for the 72nd Air Base Wing and oversees more than 3,000 employees in base operations and support to the various units that are stationed at Tinker.

The secretary of the Air Force determines base command assignments. Jamerson is the wing's first black commander — though minorities previously have held other leadership roles at the base, Tinker spokesman Ron Mullan said.

Jamerson succeeded outgoing Col. Mark Correll, who served at Tinker for four years. He was assigned to Randolph Air Force Base in Texas.