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KABUL, Afghanistan - The NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan's 439th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron changed command to Lt. Col. Robert W. Trayers Jr., assuming command from Lt. Col. Samuel Lightfoot Jr., at the Afghan Air Force Base in Kabul, Feb. 6.
Lightfoot led a joint team which advised, trained and assisted the Mission Support Group, Kabul Wing of the Afghan Air Force. The squadron’s functional areas included communications, civil engineering, logistics, force support, security and technical services.
He spoke of the two major accomplishments during his year tour. The first was helping his advisee, Col. Zalmi Amiry the mission support group commander, assume a more active role within the AAF. The second was building strong relationships between the 439th AEAS and the rest of the other squadrons in the wing while supporting the mission as a whole.
Lightfoot thanked his troops one final time as the 439th AEAS commander.
“The great things that were accomplished under my command were due to the great people that I had working for me. I couldn’t ask for a better group of airmen. I gave you the direction and I watched you go forth and conquer,” said Lightfoot.
He said that he knows that the hard work of the squadron members will continue under Colonel Trayers’ command.
The new commander, Trayers, is the former Deputy Commander of the 360th Recruiting Group, New Cumberland, Pa., and was responsible for 9 squadrons which recruited the highest-quality enlisted members, line officers, chaplains, and health profession officers across the United States and Europe.
Trayers spoke about how he felt about being in Afghanistan.
“It’s an honor for me to be standing here today. From the day that I found out that I was coming over here, I became very excited because I was becoming a part of the great work that is being accomplished. I looked forward to this day,” said Trayers.
He also spoke directly to his subordinates in the 439th AEAS.
“I am honored to take the flag today as you new commander. As an officer in the United States Air Force, there is no greater honor then to be a squadron commander. I looked forward to getting to know each and every one of you throughout the coming year,” said Trayers.
| Date Taken: | 02.06.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.09.2011 01:59 |
| Story ID: | 65048 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 335 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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