An Aug. 6, 2022 ceremony at Goldwater Air National Guard Base, in Phoenix, marked Arizona Air National Guard Lt. Col. Vincent M. Navarro’s promotion to Colonel.

Col. Navarro commands the 161st Maintenance Group, 161st Air Refueling Wing, at Goldwater Air National Guard Base. The Group provides maintenance for nine KC-135 aircraft. It is comprised of approximately 240 military and civilian personnel who maintain, mobilize, deploy and sustain the aircraft and associated equipment for worldwide operations.

Col. Navarro commissioned in the Air Force December 2000 at the University of Arizona, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. He began his career as a research & development computer engineer, and worked at Kirtland AFB  and Brooks City-Base, Texas. During this time, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2007 he became an Air Force Reserve officer and was assigned to the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). In 2014 Col. Navarro joined the Arizona Air National Guard, and has served in a variety of positions including 162d Communications Flight Commander, 161st Communications Flight Commander and 161st Security Forces Squadron Commander.

Col. Navarro is the son of Globe residents Bill and Sharon Navarro. He was born and raised in Globe and attended Globe High School.