National Airlines Appoints New President Colonel (Ret) Steven B. Harrison

BUFFALO, N.Y., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- National Airlines, a wholly owned subsidiary of National Air Cargo (NAC), announced today the appointment of Colonel (Retired) Steven B. Harrison as President effective immediately. The airline is in a period of rapid growth, including the recent expansion of its fleet. As President, Harrison will hold senior executive responsibility for all functions and facets of airline operations.  

"Colonel Harrison had a highly distinguished career serving the Department of Defense" stated Christopher Alf, Chairman of National Air Cargo Holdings, Inc. "We're thrilled to have someone with his immense talent and record of leadership joining National. I have great confidence in his abilities to help lead this company as we expand our fleet and increase our capabilities in support of both the Department of Defense and the commercial sector."

In his new role Colonel Harrison will specifically be responsible for operations including fleet integration, quality, maintenance, supple chain/procurement, security, human resources, and finance and administration reporting directly to Preston G. Murray, CEO and President of National Air Cargo.

"We are in an extremely exciting and fast-paced period in our corporate evolution" stated Preston Murray, CEO and President of National Air Cargo. "Colonel Harrison's expertise in aviation and military affairs will be a great asset to us during this period."

Before joining National Airlines, Colonel Harrison was Deputy Director for Operational Logistics, Joint Staff, J4.  He has served as the commander, 89th Airlift Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, MD, where he was responsible for worldwide special air mission airlifts, logistics, aerial port and communications support for the President, Vice President, Cabinet Members, Combatant Commanders and other senior military and elected leaders as tasked by the White House, Air Force Chief of Staff and Air Mobility Command. Colonel Harrison also commanded the 436th Airlift Wing at Dover AFB, DE, and was the Vice Wing Commander of the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston AFB, SC.  

Colonel Harrison was commissioned from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988. He has served at United States Transportation Command, commanded an airlift squadron, and led two Expeditionary Airlift Squadrons and an Air Expeditionary Group in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The Colonel served as the Division Chief for Global Mobility Concepts of Operation in the Directorate of Operational Plans and Joint Matters, Headquarters AF, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Colonel Harrison received a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy, a MA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, and a MS in Engineering Science from Oxford University, England (Rhodes Scholar), a MA in National Security Strategy, and various other curriculums during his career. He is highly decorated and his major awards and decorations are numerous and with distinction. In addition, he is a command pilot with more than 3,400 hours in the C-32A, C-5B, C-17A, KC-10A, T-37B and T-38A.

About National Airlines

Founded in 1985, National Airlines operates three long range intercontinental 45 ton capacity jet freighters. National Airlines is based in Ypsilanti, MI and operates on demand cargo and passenger services. The company's main base is Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti.

SOURCE National Airlines