Springfield base commander steps down

Col. Bryan Davis, commander of the 178th Wing of the Springfield Air National Guard, is retiring after about one year on the job.

Col. John Knabel will take over command of the wing, according to information from the 178th. Knabel is currently the 178th Wing vice commander and has more than 28 years of military service.

The 178th Wing will host a change of guard ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Springfield Air National Guard Base.

“I am truly impressed by the professionalism of the 178th Wing members and I enjoyed my time in command,” Davis said in a statement.

Davis took over the job almost exactly one year ago, when he replaced Col. Gregory Schnulo. Local officials have previously said the Springfield base is critical to the area’s economy, generating about $59 million in payroll from its 1,200 total employees.

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