One Partnership Ends, Another Begins

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

12.28.2012

Story by Capt. Chad Ashe 

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The Kandahar Air Wing senior leadership visited Task Force Wings on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 27, to say goodbye to familiar faces, and greet their new partners, Task Force Falcon, to discuss the way ahead.

Task Force Wings—the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade—has developed their partnership over the last year with the KAW, but the partnership responsibility will transition to Task Force Falcon, the newly arrived 3rd CAB based out of Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

The KAW, under the Task Force Wings mentorship, has taken basic skills to greater heights, such as ground-vehicle maintenance, medical evacuation, and even public affairs. Unit trainers conducting the training offer the experience needed to give the KAW a continued capability.

“The capability of the Kandahar Air Wing came through the dedication and commitment to the nation of Afghanistan,” said Col. Frank Tate, commander of Task Force Wings.

Colonel Tate, during his speech to members of both task forces and the KAW, encouraged the TF Falcon team to remain committed with the partnership. He says it will be an enriching experience for the Soldiers involved.

Brigadier General Haji Muhammad Azam, the operations group commander of the KAW, said he is very happy that the Task Force Wings unit is returning to their families.

“But I promise you this; we will be able to defend this country,” the Afghan general added.

Partnerships may only last one year but friendships endure. Task Force Wings will leave the KAW with friendships formed, but Task Force Falcon will continue to build upon the existing partnership built by Task Force Wings.

“The Kandahar Air Wing certainly has made us very proud. We are proud to call them our friends,” Tate said.

• Date Taken: 12.28.2012
• Date Posted: 12.28.2012 08:27
• Story ID: 99773
• Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF