BANGKOK –
Leadership of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Detachment 1 was officially passed to its newest leader, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jee Chung, July 15, 2026.
Chung, who took control of Detachment 1 during a change of leadership ceremony held at the U.S. Embassy grounds in Bangkok, was previously assigned as the Director of Plans and Joint Coordination, 7th Air Force, Osan Air Base, South Korea.
“This change of leadership represents a seamless transition in our steadfast commitment to the DPAA mission,” Chung said. “While leadership change is inevitable, our core directive remains unwavering: we stand ready to fulfill our nation’s promise to our missing personnel and their families.”
Chung’s regional experience will further the importance of Detachment 1, which serves as the administrative and logistical hub for DPAA operations in Southeast Asia, driving mission success across Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and India.
The ceremony was presided over by Christopher Phelps, DPAA Indo-Pacific director, who thanked the outgoing leader, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Aaron Thomas, and welcomed Chung.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Lt. Col. Aaron Thomas for his exceptional leadership over the past two years, and I offer a warm welcome to Lt. Col. Jee Chung as he takes the helm at Detachment 1,” Phelps said.
Speaking on the importance of the DPAA mission, Phelps stated, “The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s sacred mission to fulfill the nation’s promise of never leaving our fallen behind represents the very best of our American values, serving as a powerful testament to American exceptionalism and the enduring moral character that makes our country truly great.”
The ceremony also marked the successful conclusion of Thomas’ leadership position.
“It has been the honor and privilege of my 27-plus-year career to lead Detachment 1,” Thomas said. “The people, the mission, and the location are unmatched across the Department of War. Although I depart Bangkok, I will carry these memories for a lifetime.”
During the event, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand Sean K. O’Neill provided remarks, thanking Thomas for his dedicated service and commitment to returning America’s fallen service members to their families.