WEBVTT

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(dignified instrumental music)

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- We're doing the change of command ceremony

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for the commander at the United States Air Forces in Europe,

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the Allied Air Command Ramstein

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and United States Air Forces Africa commander.

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So, it's going to be changing over from General Gorenc.

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It's going to be going to General Walters.

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- [Voiceover] In the busy, hectic life of today's airmen,

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trying to excel at completely the mission,

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it is often forgotten why we have these ceremonies.

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- This event is specifically significant

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because it allows all that our previous commander commands

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to see that actual change of command

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to the new commander.

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So, everything from the changing of the flag

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is the actual symbolism that we're changing command

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and authority from one commander to the next,

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and it allows us to see that.

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So, it's not just an email that you're getting

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that tells you who your new command is.

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It's actually that tangible, I am seeing somebody

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assume command of all of the troops.

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And that's why you have everything

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from the formations to all the flags represented,

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and it just allows you actually see

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that new commander assume command of all the forces.

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(applause)

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- [Voiceover] At face value,

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this is a normal change of command.

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But, take a step back, and there is more to it

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than handing over a flag.

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- So, this event's specifically important to me

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because this is brand new for me.

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I'm stuffed outside of, I'm medical by trade,

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so this is a very, it's a new career field,

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but it's allowed me to step back,

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get back to the basics.

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Remember the customs and courtesies,

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remember the tradition of the United States Air Force.

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For an event like this, it encompasses all of that.

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It's got all of the planning.

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You've got over 60 distinguished visitors.

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Kind of seeing all of that come together

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and be that presentation of change

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from one commander to the next

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so that everybody in all of US AFAFRICA

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can recognize and acknowledge our new commander.

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- [Voiceover] Senior Airman Rebecca Long, Ramstein, Germany.