WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) — The Air Force Research Laboratory’s711th Human Performance Wingwelcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony March 30, 2026, as Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Robert Bogartrelinquished command to Col. Dale Harrell.
Brig. Gen. Jason Bartolomei, commander of AFRL, presided over the ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and emphasized Harrell’s experience, character and leadership style as critical to the Wing’s continued success.
“Colonel Harrell brings an exceptional combination of operational experience, medical expertise and leadership to the 711th Human Performance Wing,” Bartolomei said. “He is a servant leader in every sense—faithful, hardworking and deeply committed to taking care of people. His career has prepared him to lead at this level, and I have full confidence he is the right leader at the right time to continue advancing the Wing’s mission.”Harrell comes to the Wing from his role as command surgeon for Air Force Materiel Command, where he served as the principal medical advisor and provided operational oversight, including support to U.S. Space Force installations. He has held multiple leadership positions in the Air Force Medical Service, focusing on improving readiness and human performance.
He earned a doctorate of nursing practice from Otterbein University and is board certified as a family nurse practitioner. Harrell has emphasized medical innovation and teamwork to boost warfighter effectiveness.
“My priorities are people, mission and readiness,” Harrell said. “Our people are the Wing’s most valuable asset, and I am committed to ensuring this remains a place where ideas are heard, professional growth is supported, and Airmen and Guardians have the tools to excel.”
We will stay closely connected to the operational force to ensure our work delivers real-world impact and continue to advance human performance to meet the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s fight.
~Col. Dale Harrell, 711th Human Performance Wing commander
The 711th Human Performance Wing conducts human-centered research and develops technology to improve Airman and Guardian performance, health, and readiness. The Wing includes the Human Effectiveness Directorate and the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, with a workforce spanning more than 63 specialties in science, technology, and aerospace medicine. Its work maximizes Airman and Guardian availability, improves performance, and increases resource efficiency.
The Wing also serves as a joint Department of War center of excellence, partnering with organizations such as the Naval Medical Research Unit-Dayton, universities, industry and medical institutions.
“Human effectiveness research sits at the intersection of science, technology and the warfighter,” Bartolomei added. “This Wing not only sustains one of the world’s premier aerospace medicine institutions, but also drives innovation that directly enhances Air Force and Space Force readiness and operational advantage.”
During the ceremony, Bogart was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct as commander of the wing from August 2023 to March 2026. His leadership advanced human performance and medicine in support of Air Force, Space Force and Department of War missions worldwide.
“I am proud that I got to be part of the Air Force Research Laboratory,” Bogart said. “It’s an incredible organization, and learning how the lab discovers, develops and delivers capabilities to make our nation stronger and prepared for the future has been an incredible journey.”
The ceremony also recognized his accomplishments leading the wing’s complex mission across nine geographically separated units, supported by an annual budget of $390 million, including nearly $127 million for science and technology. During his tenure, Bogart championed initiatives that enhanced operational readiness, including the Research Environmental Chamber, BATDOK mobile health monitoring and the DARRIO Simulation Center.Through partnerships with the Air Force Medical Service, major commands, combatant commands, the Defense Health Agency and academic institutions such as Purdue University, Bogart strengthened the global posture of U.S. military medicine. He also advanced joint initiatives to ensure U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force forces are prepared to meet emerging threats.
Bogart’s next assignment will be as director of Defense Health Network Central and commander of Air Force Medical Readiness-Alpha at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is the Department of the Air Force’s primary scientific research and development center and one of six centers within Air Force Materiel Command. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
AFRL’s 711th Human Performance Wing is a unique combination of two mission units. While the Human Effectiveness Directorate is science- and technology-focused, the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine is a center for aerospace medical learning, consultation, medical investigations and aircrew health assessments. This synergy of research and development with aerospace medical expertise helps ensure Airmen and Guardians are available, ready and performing at their peak.