Photo By Staff Sgt. Justyn Freeman | Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan...... read more read more
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Brig. Gen. David W. Hicks assumed command of the Train, Advise, Assist Command-Air (TAAC-Air) and the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing from Brig. Gen. Christopher E. Craige in a change-of-command ceremony, June 8, 2016, at Forward Operating Base Oqab, Kabul, Afghanistan.
The presiding officers were, United Kingdom Lt. Gen. Sandy Storrie, deputy commander of Operation Resolute Support and Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Taliaferro, commander of the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan.
Storrie began his remarks by talking about the significance of the change-of-command ceremony and how it allows a clear point in time when command responsibilities pass from one commander to another as the possession of the guidon is exchanged.
He then went on to address the incoming and outgoing commanders.
“General Hicks, you are ideally suited by character, background and experience for the job you are taking on,” said Storrie. “It’s great to have you on the (Resolute Support) team and I look forward to working with you.”
Storrie continued by praising Craige for steering the Afghan Air Force to a succession of firsts, to include the first independent A-29 attack missions, which have been conducted by Afghan Airmen. The general conveyed he was most impressed with Craige’s character.
“Craige’s real achievements lie in the human dimension and the outstanding example he has set for his team and the next generation of Afghan aviators.”
The ceremony continued with Taliaferro speaking to the contingency about the excellence of the 438th AEW and the role Craige played in sustaining this standard.
“Each day seemed to present a new and unique challenge [for the 438th AEW], challenges Craige handled with wisdom, patience and grace,” said Taliaferro. “General Craige has been absolutely indispensable, with history and wisdom that will be dearly missed.”
Also in attendance during the ceremony was Commander of the Afghan Air Force, Lt. Gen. Abdul Wahab, who thanked Craige for being a great counterpart and creating a good team.
As Craige heads to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as the vice commander of the 3rd Air Force, he leaves the men and women of the 438th AEW with some last words.
“I often talk about having two families; my family at home and the family I have come (to be a part of)here in Afghanistan,” said Craige. “This is a noble mission and everyone here contributes to that sense of mission. You have all done an incredible job at taking care of business and each other.
“I will always keep a place in my heart for Afghanistan and TAAC-Air.”
Hicks comes to the 438th AEW as the former vice commander of the 1st Air Force at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. His experiences include commanding the operations group at Kandahar and more than 3,800 flying hours including 500 on combat missions.
“Dave has been number one everywhere he has been,” said Taliaferro. “I can’t think of a more credible expert when it comes to air-to-ground integration.”
Hicks expressed his plans for the future of the 438th AEW and its Afghan counterparts.
“General Wahab, I look forward to continuing a great partnership and continuing to build your Air Force bigger, stronger and better,” said Hicks. “I can't wait to get into the air with your fine Airmen.”
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2016 10:50 |
| Story ID: | 200495 |
| Location: | KABUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AF |
| Web Views: | 666 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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