Theisen returns home to command 944 MSG

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Barbara Plante
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, ARIZ. --  During a Change of Command Ceremony on a crisp fall Arizona morning Col. Paul Theisen took the reins from Col. Anne Gunter as the new commander of the 944th Mission Support Group, here November 2.

The colonel comes to the wing from Hill Air Force Base, Utah where he was the commander and senior air reserve technician of the 419th Mission Support Group.

The title may be new but the face is a very familiar one for Luke AFB and the 944th Wing.  Theisen spent four years at Luke AFB on active duty before joining the Reserve and spending the next nine years in many leadership roles right here at the 944th.

A native of Arizona Theisen received his commission through the Air Force ROTC program at ASU and served 15 years on active duty prior to transferring into the Reserve. His career has been a demanding one as he has served in wing, numbered AF and major command positions, and has been a commander three times at flight, squadron, and group levels.  He also has served in numerous deployed leadership positions to include NATO Chief of Operations for the International Security Assistance Force, Allied Movement Coordination Centre, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Among his many assignments, he worked in the groundbreaking Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Battlelab developing initial USAF UAV capabilities.

Col. Kurt Gallegos, 944th FW commander, was the presiding officer for the ceremony. "PT you have some big shoes to fill, your reputation and background precede you and I really look forward to working with you."

In his new position, Theisen will oversee support planning and resource management activities for a 1,350-person fighter wing, including two geographically separated units, the 414th Fighter Group, at Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina and the 924th Fighter Group, at David Monthan AFB in Arizona He will lead, direct, and manage four squadrons with the following responsibilities: civil engineering, explosive ordnance disposal, readiness, fire protection, supply, transportation, fuels, logistics readiness, security and law enforcement, combat arms, military personnel, family readiness, lodging and food service support, mortuary affairs, communication and information systems, and computer support.


Theisen spoke from his heart about the support he has received over the years from his wife and family and their unselfish sacrifice during his military career. Additionally, he thanked Col. Gunter for her leadership, "You have left the group in outstanding shape, I thank you for your dedication to the 944th and I hope to build on your efforts and continue the legacy of the mission support group success," he said.

As he addressed his new group Theisen said, "I have had some amazing experiences, deployments, and opportunities in my AF career, those are all being eclipsed today.  The relevance that the 944th MSG brings to the fight is substantial.  Many here have deployed, augmented, and/or backfilled positions since 9/11.  We have a significant role in our nation's defense we fight with and bleed alongside our active duty brethren.  We do the same mission and do it well." 

Closing his comments Theisen continued, "You all have much to brag about. You are not just relevant to today's AF but a vital part of it. We will continue to be ready to deploy and answer our nations call.  We will continue to be dependable and accountable. I'm honored to re-join this team of professionals possessing the best America has to offer!"