The Augusta Chronicle Appoints New President

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Augusta, Ga.--Morris Communications has named Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins president of The Augusta Chronicle, effective Jan. 3, 2012 after he retires as commander of Alaskan Command, Alaska NORAD Region, Joint Task Force Alaska, and 11th Air Force at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Atkins will replace Don Bailey, who resigned in July after holding the post for seven years.  

Born in Portland, Ore., Atkins, 57, is a command pilot with more than 4,000 hours in fighter aircraft. He served as vice commander, 7th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Korea, and was special assistant to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe during the air war over Serbia. During his career, he has flown as a demonstration pilot for both the European A-10 demonstration team and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.  

In his capacity as commander Alaskan Command, Atkins serves as the senior military officer responsible for the integration of all military activities in the Alaskan theater of operations, governing the activities of more than 21,000 active-duty, Guard and Reserve members from all service branches. He also commands 11th Air Force and oversees the training and readiness of three wings and multiple Air Force installations located throughout the state.   As commander of the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, Atkins directs air operations within Alaska. He is also the commander of Joint Task Force Alaska and is responsible for the planning and execution of all Homeland Defense operations within the theater, including security and civil support actions.  

Atkins earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Portland and graduated with distinction from the Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. He earned master’s degrees in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and in national security strategy at the National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C.