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Next Oklahoma Wing Commander Chosen
Lt. Col. David E. McCollum has been selected as the next commander of the Oklahoma Wing, succeeding Col. Aaron Oliver.
A formal change of command ceremony will take place in April at the Oklahoma Wing's annual conference.
McCollum's Civil Air Patrol began in May 2008, fueled by a lifelong interest in aviation and spurred by CAP’s vital role in the high-profile search late that summer and fall for adventurer Steve Fossett after his plane disappeared.
He honed his leadership and public affairs skills in various positions within the Texas Wing, ultimately becoming a qualified search and rescue mission pilot.
After joining the Oklahoma Wing in December 2014 he served as the wing’s public affairs officer, director of emergency services, and chief of staff.
He also commanded the Oklahoma City Composite Squadron from August 2019-June 2021. During that time his squadron experienced minimal membership losses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, defying national and regional trends.
McCollum graduated with honors from the Southwest Region Staff College and CAP's National Staff College.
He is a command pilot with more than 2,000 flight hours, a mission check pilot, and a senior incident commander. He holds Master ratings in public affairs and emergency services and Senior ratings in command and operations and actively serves as an instructor for CAP's Volunteer University.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected as the next commander of the Oklahoma Wing,” McCollum said. “I am committed to building upon the legacy of my predecessors while leading this dedicated group of volunteers in service to our communities and upholding CAP's vital missions.”
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Capt. Brandon Lunsford
Public Affairs Officer
Oklahoma Wing