NAS Kingsville Says Farewell to Captain Korsmo
Naval Air Station Kingsville
KINGSVILLE (News Release) – Capt. Thomas Korsmo relinquished command of Naval Air Station Kingsville and retired from the Navy on Aug. 5. Capt. Eric Bromley relieved Korsmo, becoming the air station’s 36th commanding officer. He comes to Kingsville after serving as Air Boss onboard USS George HW Bush (CVN 77).
Korsmo, who has commanded NASK since July 2020, had a message for the members of the command.
Captain Thomas Korsmo (left) receives the Legion of Merit from Captain Billy Franklin during the Naval Air Station Kingsville change of command ceremony Aug. 5, 2022. Korsmo retired after passing command of the air station to Captain Eric Bromley.
“I had no real idea what I was getting into coming here, but such is Navy life, you just show up and do your best,” he said.
“So what did I get? A great town that loves its base and people that really care. And I am grateful for my opportunity today to say thank you.
“Thanks for the great honor of being a part of this base for the past two years. We have had many adventures and I am so proud to have been your commanding officer and grateful for all of your hard work, especially in these pandemic times.
“As I head off into retirement after 27 years of naval service, I fully believe that it is the people that are the most important and who accomplish our very important mission here.
“You all have done a great job and I know you will continue to keep up our great reputation.”
Capt. Billy Franklin, commander of Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command Great Lakes, presented Korsmo with the Legion of Merit. The award citation states Korsmo “provided superior shore installation management expertise…” and “despite the global COVID-19 pandemic-maintained 100 percent operational capability on board NAS Kingsville…” and “found quality alternatives for both mission requirements and Morale, Welfare and Recreational events to meet the required COVID mitigations, keeping morale and mission forefront.”
Captain Thomas Korsmo receives the Key to the City of Kingsville from Kingsville Mayor Sam Fugate during the Aug. 5 change of command ceremony at NAS Kingsville.
His accomplishments included hosting the 2022 “Wings Over South Texas” air show, installation of a new energy efficient LED airfield lighting system, movement of unaccompanied sailors to a renovated facility and successfully responding to multiple real-world emergencies and weather events.
Franklin, who has known “Tige” Korsmo since they were junior officers together, complemented his old friend.
“For those of us lucky enough to know Tige, we know his character, we know his integrity, and we know his ability to stand in the face of adversity and challenges,” Franklin said.
“To stand tall and lead when things around are crumbling, to provide clear direction during the hurricane storms that so often come around these parts here.
“Tige, it is clear to see that you have stood tall. Your command is engaged, highly professional and committed to getting the job done. All traits they have seen you model for them over your tour.
“You have done well, and you have much to be proud of. This Base is going to miss you.”
Bromley echoed Franklin as he assumed command.
“I’ve been around long enough to know that it’s always more pleasant to inherit a job from someone who cares and who knows what they’re doing,” he said.
“NAS Kingsville under Captain Korsmo is simply a great place to be – operational, functional, practical, safe, clean, friendly.
“It’s a pleasure to assume this role under these wonderful circumstances.”
The sailors and civilians of NAS Kingsville wish Korsmo and his family “Fair winds and following seas” as they begin the next portion of their lives.