Tyndall Air Force Base welcomes new commander of First Air Force

TYNDALL AFB, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Tyndall Air Force Base welcomed Lt. Gen. Bradford Everman as the new commander of the Continental U.S. NORAD Region- First Air Force, or CONR-1AF for short.

Lt. Gen. Everman previously served as the Deputy Combined Forces Air Component Commander at Tyndall two years ago.

“I could not be more excited to be back into the mission and homeland defense right here at Tyndall Air Force Base,” Lt. Gen. Everman said. “I’m familiar with the organization, and to walk back in the door and see how well it’s running tells me everything I need to know. The job is getting done.”

At Tyndall AFB, the aerial defense of the entire United States is managed, monitoring everything from wildfire response on the West Coast to major operations like the recent Artemis II space launch. So far in 2026, the command has successfully executed 47 aerial intercepts.

Lt. Gen. Everman’s previous experience at Tyndall involved managing these intercepts directly and advising top national leadership during threat scenarios. He noted that performing a defense mission over the homeland carries unique challenges compared to a traditional war zone, as military personnel must safely navigate around civilian air traffic and commercial airlines.

Looking ahead, the new commander plans to integrate artificial intelligence and modern command-and-control strategies to stay ahead of rapidly changing technological threats around the world.

He also hopes to make residents aware of the massive, nationwide footprint operated right from the Florida Panhandle.

“I think it’s pretty cool that Panama City has that support, has that role for the country overall,” Lt. Gen. Everman said.

As he steps into his new role, Lt. Gen. Everman promised local families and the nation that he will defend the country with the same dedication he has for protecting his own family.

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