Hufstetler relinquishes command, Engel assumes leadership of NAS JRB Fort Worth
Capt. Dustin Engel relieved Capt. Beau Hufstetler as commanding officer of the premier joint reserve installation in North Texas. Rear Adm. Jonathan Townsend presided over the ceremony before family members, service members, civic leaders, and distinguished guests, including U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey and mayors from across the regional community.
During the ceremony, Townsend commended Hufstetler for his leadership, noting the installation's critical role in joint readiness and defense mobilization, highlighted by NAS JRB Fort Worth earning the 2025 Commander, Navy Installations Command Installation Excellence Award.
Hufstetler, who assumed command in November 2023, delivered his final address to the installation’s workforce, tenant commands, and community partners before officially relinquishing command and retiring from active duty. He emphasized the genuine, decades-long partnership between the base and the surrounding cities.
"The relationship between this base and the Fort Worth community is not transactional," Hufstetler said. "It’s a genuine partnership built over decades. I hear the simple question from all of you: 'How can we help?' That one question makes a huge difference to help protect the success of our mission, care for our people, and ensure NAS JRB Fort Worth remains ready to respond when the nation calls."
Hufstetler also expressed pride in passing leadership to a trusted colleague and classmate. "Passing the torch to my friend, Capt. Engel, gives me immense confidence in the future of NAS JRB Fort Worth," he said.
Upon taking the helm, Engel reflected on his nearly 29-year naval career, which began on a rural Wyoming ranch and spanned 13 duty stations, three combat deployments, and more than 2,900 flight hours.
"I stand before you grateful to a nation, grateful for the opportunity, and grateful for the trust and confidence the citizens of America have placed in me to lead once again," Engel said. "Beau, under your stewardship, this naval air station has not only met, but exceeded its mission requirements. It is my objective to continue to build on the strong framework you have established here."
Engel highlighted the installation’s strategic role in providing operational capability and joint readiness for the nation’s defense.
"The work we do here isn’t just about aircraft or reserve support; it’s about ensuring our Navy and our nation maintain the highest level of readiness for our common defense," Engel said. "To the military spouses and families, you are the great pillars upon which our foundation rests. There is much work to be done. Thank you for standing with us—let’s go get it done."
The ceremony concluded with a traditional retirement ceremony honoring Hufstetler, featuring the reading of "Old Glory" and his final piping ashore by the ceremonial sideboys.
NAS JRB Fort Worth is the first and finest joint reserve base, known for training and equipping aircrews and aviation ground support personnel while supporting missions such as airlift, aerial refueling, and global mobility.
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