- [Johnathan] In every area of operation
there comes a time for a change of command
and a passing of the flags to take over leadership.
For Colonel Shawn Cochran,
Commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group,
that time has come.
- It's been pretty amazing.
This is a once in a life time experience.
I've had some amazing Airmen come through here.
We're all so very much in a very joint environment
with the Horn of Africa, the combined joint taskforce.
There's something goin on all the time
and I guess that made this year fly by pretty quick.
- [Johnathan] Commander of the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing,
Colonel Michael Rawls, flew into Eastern Africa
just to say farewell and share his appreciation
for Colonel Cochran's service.
- As your Wing Commander I am exceedingly proud
and every time I get a chance to come down here
and get re-blued it does my soul good so thank you.
- [Johnathan] So with the ceremony coming to an end.
Colonel Kieth Crawford is now the
Commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group
in Eastern Africa.
- This group as done some phenomenal things over the years.
Especially in the last year which I'm most familiar with.
I'm looking forward to it.
Great Airmen.
Great mission set.
Great joint partners.
And I look forward to learning about it
and being a part of it.
- [Johanathan] Colonel Crawford had one last thing
to say about colonel Cochran as he takes over command.
- Thank you.
He set the bar.
You heard that in the change command
but I believe it's true based on
what I've seen the last two days I've been here.
He has built a phenomenal leadership team.
Very capable Airmen in place right now
and I've very grateful for that.
- [Johnathan] Colonel Crawford has a lot to take on
during his time as Group Commander
but his main goal is to take care of his Airmen,
and do the best that he can in being a good joint partner
and conducting joint operations.
Staff Sargent Johnathan, Guzman Eastern Africa.