Lieutenant Colonel John D. Mitchel assumed command of AFSBn-Drum June 2018. LTC Mitchel, a native of Chico, CA, was commissioned from the University of California, Davis in 2001 as an Ordnance officer. His first assignments were with 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO, where he served as a Platoon leader, accountable officer, executive officer, and Maintenance control officer.
Following the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course, LTC Mitchel served as the S3 for the AFSBn–Kuwait where he managed the Global Maintenance and Supply Service Contract (GMASS) Army Prepositioned Stock-5, new production equipment flow into CENTCOM, and the retrograde of legacy equipment for depot level reset. His next assignments were as the Support Operations Officer, 43rd Area Support Group, then as the Commander, 183rd Maintenance Company, Fort Carson, CO. Following command, LTC Mitchel served as the aide de camp to the Commanding General, then as the Secretary to the General Staff, Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island Arsenal, IL. From 2011 to 2014 LTC Mitchel was assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment, Rose Barracks, Germany, as the Regiment Support Squadron Executive Officer, Regimental Support Operations Officer, and then as the Regimental S4. His next assignment was with Joint Task Force North, US Northern Command, Fort Bliss, TX, where he served as the Chief of Logistics Plans and Operations, J4 and later as the Deputy Chief of Staff. After completing this joint service time, LTC Mitchel was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade where he served as the Support Operations Officer. LTC Mitchel has deployed four times in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He holds a Masters degree in Leadership Studies from the University of Texas, El Paso.
LTC Mitchel’s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal (2OLC). He is also a recipient of the Honorable Order of Samuel Sharpe.
LTC Mitchel is married and they have two sons.