Marauders welcome new wing commander to 386th AEW

Photo By Master Sgt. Courtney Richardson | Col. John R. Gordy receives command of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing from Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central commander, at an air base in Southwest Asia, July 1.  

07.04.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Thomas Doscher 

386th Air Expeditionary Wing

Col. John Gordy II received command of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing from Col. Cameron Torrens during a change of command ceremony held at the 386th AEW Passenger Terminal July 1.

At the same time, Chief Master Sgt. Douglas McIntyre took over as 386th AEW command chief master sergeant from Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Antwine, who had served as the wing's command chief since July 2008.

Gordy previously served as vice commander of the 43rd Airlift Wing at Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

Lt. Gen. Gary North, U.S. Air Forces Central commander, presided over the ceremony, passing the wing's guidon to Gordy.

"The mission is straightforward and simple," North told Gordy during his remarks. "Uphold and advance the tradition of excellence here at the "Rock." This year will certainly be the highlight of your career. Savor every minute of it. You will write the next chapter in the story of how Airmen integrate into the fight and how they drive to establish stability, security and prosperity with our partnerships throughout the area of responsibility."

Gordy, a master navigator with more than 4,000 flight hours, promised the Airmen of the 386th to give them everything they needed to continue the fight.

"I will give it everything I have and then some," he said. "To ensure these Airmen have the tools they need to guarantee continued success."

The new wing commander told the Airmen he was proud to work alongside them and looked forward to getting to know them all.

"You and those before you have done an incredible job of executing this very demanding mission and providing a gateway to victory," he said. "In the last five days, I have already witnessed first-hand the remarkable talents you possess and professionalism you demonstrate on a daily basis. Whether it's in support of a mission here, launching convoys from Arifjan or patrolling outside the wire in Iraq, you complete the mission effortlessly and with great success. I along with Chief McIntyre look forward to working with you and for you as we take the 386th to even greater heights."

• Date Taken: 07.04.2009
• Date Posted: 07.04.2009 07:13
• Story ID: 35957