WEBVTT 00:04.822 --> 00:06.831 - Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and distinguished 00:06.831 --> 00:07.664 guests. 00:08.630 --> 00:11.548 I'm staff sergeant Eddie Elisano, and I will be the 00:11.548 --> 00:14.048 narrator for today's ceremony. 00:14.821 --> 00:18.276 On behalf of today's presiding official, the commander, 00:18.276 --> 00:22.037 Ninth Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force Afghanistan, 00:22.037 --> 00:25.870 Major General Jim Hecker, welcome to the 455th 00:27.220 --> 00:30.600 Air Expeditionary Wing Chain of Command Ceremony 00:30.600 --> 00:34.414 at which Brigadier General Jim Sears will relinquish 00:34.414 --> 00:37.831 command to Brigadier General Craig Baker. 00:39.490 --> 00:42.210 While the change of command ceremony predates 00:42.210 --> 00:44.976 the United States, it has become an American military 00:44.976 --> 00:45.809 tradition. 00:47.357 --> 00:51.524 Our nation's first ceremony dates back to three July, 1775, 00:52.970 --> 00:56.080 when General George Washington drew his sword 00:56.080 --> 00:59.432 under an elm tree in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 00:59.432 --> 01:02.932 to assume command of the continental army. 01:03.706 --> 01:06.799 During the American Revolution, military units 01:06.799 --> 01:10.092 carried distinctive flags, designed to match the 01:10.092 --> 01:13.153 color of their uniforms, and depicted a motto 01:13.153 --> 01:15.320 selected by the commander. 01:15.766 --> 01:18.337 When soldiers followed their leader into battle, 01:18.337 --> 01:22.074 this flag provided a highly visible point around which 01:22.074 --> 01:26.241 members of the unit could rally during the fog of war. 01:27.051 --> 01:30.459 Because of its importance, the flag was used in 01:30.459 --> 01:34.626 the continental army's earliest chain of command ceremony. 01:35.299 --> 01:38.320 The organization's banner was exchanged in full view, 01:38.320 --> 01:41.912 so every soldier could see the officer now entrusted 01:41.912 --> 01:43.995 to lead them into battle. 01:44.838 --> 01:48.034 The modern ceremony is principally symbolic, 01:48.034 --> 01:51.272 yet it still announces to all the authority 01:51.272 --> 01:53.439 of the incoming commander. 01:58.418 --> 02:01.185 Please stand for the arrival of the official party, 02:01.185 --> 02:04.227 and remain standing for the playing of musical honors, 02:04.227 --> 02:06.630 the singing of the national anthem, sung by 02:06.630 --> 02:10.004 senior airman Calvin Johnson, and the invocation, 02:10.004 --> 02:12.337 given by Chaplain Greg Jans. 02:13.529 --> 02:17.112 (commanding and responses) 02:27.577 --> 02:29.994 (horn music) 02:56.044 --> 02:59.627 (commanding and responses) 03:01.819 --> 03:04.236 - Sir, I present the command. 03:05.308 --> 03:08.891 (commanding and responses) 03:49.033 --> 03:49.866 Present. 03:56.877 --> 03:59.960 ♫ Oh say can you see 04:01.812 --> 04:05.479 ♫ By the dawn's early light 04:07.625 --> 04:11.292 ♫ What so proudly we hailed 04:13.293 --> 04:17.460 ♫ At the twilight's last gleaming 04:18.972 --> 04:23.139 ♫ Whose broad stripes and bright stars 04:25.024 --> 04:28.774 ♫ Through the perilous fight 04:30.724 --> 04:34.641 ♫ O'er the ramparts we watched 04:36.250 --> 04:40.083 ♫ Were so gallantly streaming 04:42.295 --> 04:45.962 ♫ And the rockets red glare 04:47.388 --> 04:51.055 ♫ The bombs bursting in air 04:52.845 --> 04:56.762 ♫ Gave proof through the night 04:58.450 --> 05:02.450 ♫ That our flag was still there 05:04.136 --> 05:08.303 ♫ Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave 05:20.108 --> 05:23.775 ♫ O'er the land of the free 05:26.282 --> 05:29.949 ♫ And the home of the brave 05:38.603 --> 05:39.436 - Order. 05:39.496 --> 05:43.079 (commanding and responses) 07:13.161 --> 07:16.994 - I invite you to join me in a word of prayer. 07:17.403 --> 07:21.570 Great and loving God, creator, redeemer, and sustainer. 07:21.995 --> 07:24.483 We pause for a moment this sunny morning in war torn 07:24.483 --> 07:28.650 Afghanistan to reflect on your protection, your goodness, 07:30.635 --> 07:33.885 and your daily blessings on each of us. 07:33.928 --> 07:37.043 As we gather for this change of command, for the 455th 07:37.043 --> 07:40.876 air expeditionary wing, we give you the glory, 07:40.892 --> 07:44.367 for the sterling leadership, enduring dedication, 07:44.367 --> 07:47.492 and committed stewardship of Brigadier General 07:47.492 --> 07:48.325 Jim Sears. 07:49.384 --> 07:53.360 We are thankful for his approachability, his wisdom, 07:53.360 --> 07:57.124 tenacity and advocacy in leading the vultures in our 07:57.124 --> 07:58.874 US and NATO missions. 07:59.710 --> 08:02.327 Bless General Sears with safe travels back to his 08:02.327 --> 08:05.364 wife and daughters, as they enjoy reunion and 08:05.364 --> 08:08.766 reintegration, before moving on to their next chapter 08:08.766 --> 08:11.266 in service to God and country. 08:11.356 --> 08:14.038 As Brigadier General Craig Baker assumes command, 08:14.038 --> 08:17.538 we ask your favor upon him and his family. 08:17.602 --> 08:20.836 Give him the strength of Samson, the wisdom of Solomon, 08:20.836 --> 08:24.868 and the endurance necessary as he leads the 455th AEW 08:24.868 --> 08:26.118 this next year. 08:26.633 --> 08:29.438 Bless our continued service in combat together. 08:29.438 --> 08:31.438 In your holy name, amen. 08:35.995 --> 08:39.412 - Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. 08:40.497 --> 08:43.384 Thank you to the honor guard Senior Airman Johnson 08:43.384 --> 08:45.421 for that beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, 08:45.421 --> 08:48.504 and Chaplain Jans for the invocation. 08:48.892 --> 08:51.782 At this time, we would like to recognize our distinguished 08:51.782 --> 08:55.199 guests in attendance of today's ceremony. 08:55.387 --> 08:59.554 Please hold applause until all DBs have been greeted. 09:01.096 --> 09:04.439 The deputy commander, NATO air command Afghanistan, 09:04.439 --> 09:07.106 Air Commodore Steven Lushington. 09:09.199 --> 09:12.683 The command chief, ninth air and space expeditionary 09:12.683 --> 09:16.850 task force Afghanistan, Chief Master Sergeant Lisa Arnold. 09:17.576 --> 09:21.743 Representing the commanding general, Bagram Airfield, 09:21.790 --> 09:24.623 Brigadier General Patrick Donahoe. 09:24.907 --> 09:27.946 Representing the commanding general, NATO Special Operations 09:27.946 --> 09:31.059 Component Command Afghanistan, the Deputy Commanding 09:31.059 --> 09:34.226 General, Brigadier General Kurt Smith. 09:35.001 --> 09:38.292 The commander, 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, 09:38.292 --> 09:41.125 Brigadier General Phillip Stewart. 09:41.696 --> 09:45.076 The command chief, 438th, Air Expeditionary Wing, 09:45.076 --> 09:47.993 Chief Master Sergeant Shane Wagner. 09:48.729 --> 09:51.146 (applauding) 09:54.683 --> 09:56.918 We would also like to extend a warm welcome to all 09:56.918 --> 10:01.085 other commanders, chiefs, sergeant majors, first sergeants, 10:02.079 --> 10:04.995 and all those who have taken time out of their day to 10:04.995 --> 10:07.737 witness this time honored tradition. 10:07.737 --> 10:10.537 Thank you for attending today's ceremony. 10:10.537 --> 10:12.954 (applauding) 10:16.367 --> 10:19.682 Ladies and gentlemen, the Commander, Ninth Air and Space 10:19.682 --> 10:22.507 Expeditionary Task Force, Afghanistan, 10:22.507 --> 10:24.590 Major General Jim Hecker. 10:25.065 --> 10:27.482 (applauding) 10:32.742 --> 10:35.242 - Well, good morning everyone. 10:35.936 --> 10:37.353 What a great day. 10:37.903 --> 10:39.952 A great day in Afghanistan. 10:39.952 --> 10:41.787 You know, you look outside here, you see the aircraft 10:41.787 --> 10:42.620 lined up. 10:43.570 --> 10:46.629 You see the Viper over here to the left. 10:46.629 --> 10:47.671 We got the 130s. 10:47.671 --> 10:49.004 We got the HH60. 10:50.134 --> 10:52.170 They didn't get here by themselves. 10:52.170 --> 10:54.744 That was a lot of hard work from some maintainers, 10:54.744 --> 10:56.973 so thanks for making that happen, to make this special 10:56.973 --> 10:59.806 moment for our commanders up here. 11:00.678 --> 11:03.392 I'd also like to thank Calvin for that great job 11:03.392 --> 11:06.370 with the National Anthem as well as Chaplain Jans 11:06.370 --> 11:09.870 for his inspiring words in the invocation. 11:11.055 --> 11:13.312 And the Honor Guard, and of course, everybody who 11:13.312 --> 11:15.452 helped set this up from the mission support group 11:15.452 --> 11:17.540 that's out there, well done. 11:17.540 --> 11:19.626 Comms are working, which is always a relief for 11:19.626 --> 11:23.043 whoever set this up, but things are good. 11:23.531 --> 11:25.348 Today we're here to witness the change of command 11:25.348 --> 11:29.473 of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing where Brigadier 11:29.473 --> 11:32.423 General Shredder Sears will relinquish command 11:32.423 --> 11:36.173 reluctantly to Brigadier General Bluto Baker. 11:37.392 --> 11:40.126 You know, Shredder has had a great time here. 11:40.126 --> 11:42.642 He will be the first person that will tell you 11:42.642 --> 11:46.142 that none of it was due to his leadership. 11:46.632 --> 11:49.670 He'll say that it was all because of his group commanders, 11:49.670 --> 11:51.003 all five of 'em. 11:51.851 --> 11:53.810 And the people underneath his group commanders, 11:53.810 --> 11:57.977 his airmen that had a call to duty and made it happen. 11:59.530 --> 12:00.947 And that is true. 12:02.234 --> 12:05.327 But I tell you what, he deserves some credit, 12:05.327 --> 12:08.024 because he's done some great work here. 12:08.024 --> 12:10.098 When I kind of looked back at the year that Shredder 12:10.098 --> 12:13.749 spent here, it kind of can be summed up by he was 12:13.749 --> 12:17.666 forced to do a draw down, but he made sure that 12:19.162 --> 12:22.995 his combat capability didn't draw down at all. 12:23.507 --> 12:25.393 Let me just kind of go over a couple of numbers 12:25.393 --> 12:27.390 that are pretty impressive. 12:27.390 --> 12:30.342 They're just numbers, but internalize what these numbers, 12:30.342 --> 12:33.259 what it takes to get this job done. 12:34.029 --> 12:38.061 Here's the things that General Sears has delivered, 12:38.061 --> 12:39.811 along with your help. 12:40.191 --> 12:42.191 Roughly 16,000 sortings. 12:43.194 --> 12:47.361 1500 air strikes resulting in 3,000 enemy killed in action. 12:49.705 --> 12:53.872 Delivering 56,000 tons of cargo and 75,000 passengers. 12:57.925 --> 13:00.925 Pretty impressive list, over a year. 13:01.125 --> 13:03.718 Especially when you consider the assets that were 13:03.718 --> 13:07.744 taken away from him, and he was still able to get it done. 13:07.744 --> 13:09.743 One of the things that he did was he made sure that 13:09.743 --> 13:13.910 during his draw down, if anyone was injured or hurt, 13:14.060 --> 13:18.227 or ejected over combat territory, that he could get in. 13:18.363 --> 13:20.996 So he revolutionized the personal recovery system, 13:20.996 --> 13:25.163 using an innovative approach of combat tactical air lift. 13:25.183 --> 13:28.151 Combat search and rescue, and the Aeromedical Evacuation 13:28.151 --> 13:28.984 Squadron. 13:31.871 --> 13:35.287 Pretty impressive, to make sure that our soldiers, 13:35.287 --> 13:38.787 sailors, and marines and airmen stay safe. 13:40.236 --> 13:44.307 With the HH60s, on his own accord, he decided that 13:44.307 --> 13:47.418 it wasn't good enough to set alert out of here. 13:47.418 --> 13:50.422 When we were doing some major operations, 13:50.422 --> 13:53.755 a little bit to the east side over here. 13:54.111 --> 13:57.978 So, on his own, he decided to deploy a deploy unit 13:57.978 --> 14:01.414 to Jalalabad, to make sure that they are closer 14:01.414 --> 14:02.497 to the fight. 14:03.013 --> 14:06.024 He knew that that extra 15 minutes or 30 minutes 14:06.024 --> 14:08.611 could be the difference between life and death. 14:08.611 --> 14:11.871 It wasn't easy, but it was the right thing to do, 14:11.871 --> 14:16.038 and he made it happen, and we were safer because of it. 14:16.728 --> 14:19.911 As we decreased the number of F16s we had, we had to 14:19.911 --> 14:23.732 make sure that we had close air support for our soldiers 14:23.732 --> 14:24.899 on the ground. 14:25.565 --> 14:28.872 He was able to make that happen when we got a couple 14:28.872 --> 14:32.402 extra RPA lines that we could fly from the states, 14:32.402 --> 14:34.453 but we needed somebody over here to make sure 14:34.453 --> 14:37.286 that they could launch those M29s. 14:37.387 --> 14:39.792 He didn't get any extra people. 14:39.792 --> 14:42.657 He didn't get any extra aircraft, but he did launch 14:42.657 --> 14:46.562 two lines a day, three days a week, that supported 14:46.562 --> 14:49.895 primarily tack south and tack southeast. 14:50.540 --> 14:53.540 And most of the time, when they came back, 14:53.540 --> 14:55.341 they didn't have any hellfires and they didn't have 14:55.341 --> 14:56.174 any bombs. 14:56.549 --> 14:59.896 Who knows, good chance you saved a life by that 14:59.896 --> 15:01.257 command decision. 15:01.257 --> 15:05.424 We'll never know, but it was definitely the right decision. 15:06.249 --> 15:08.916 We went from 18 down to 12 F16s. 15:09.580 --> 15:13.747 We still needed to do 24 hours of close air support. 15:14.075 --> 15:16.536 Shredder made sure that we did that, 15:16.536 --> 15:18.288 against all the naysayers that said, 15:18.288 --> 15:21.998 "No, you won't be able to do that with just 12 F16s." 15:21.998 --> 15:25.234 He did it, and he did it for six months straight. 15:25.234 --> 15:28.414 And he made sure that people were protected. 15:28.414 --> 15:32.148 He made sure that we had calms across this country. 15:32.148 --> 15:36.315 With the E11, the F411, one was taken away for a while, 15:37.232 --> 15:38.399 and one broke. 15:39.267 --> 15:42.600 That left him, too, to do 24 seven OTTs. 15:42.718 --> 15:45.658 You can do the math, that's roughly 13 hour missions, 15:45.658 --> 15:48.069 once you include the overlap. 15:48.069 --> 15:49.736 He made that happen. 15:49.795 --> 15:51.295 Shredder's a doer. 15:52.264 --> 15:55.847 The med group, his med group, kept us safe. 15:57.266 --> 15:58.433 668 surgeries. 16:00.375 --> 16:02.542 That's a lot of surgeries. 16:03.364 --> 16:07.531 The Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron evacuated 392 patients. 16:10.198 --> 16:11.698 That's incredible. 16:12.666 --> 16:15.616 The C130 unit sits alert with the Aeromedical 16:15.616 --> 16:19.521 Evacuation Squadron, and their deal is, they'll be 16:19.521 --> 16:21.713 ready to take anyone anywhere to get medical treatment 16:21.713 --> 16:22.963 in three hours. 16:25.316 --> 16:29.066 (roaring of plane, laughing) 16:30.569 --> 16:33.180 That's awesome right there, right? 16:33.180 --> 16:37.013 All right, we're gonna have one more, I think. 16:39.506 --> 16:40.339 Maybe. 16:41.243 --> 16:42.076 We'll see. 16:44.227 --> 16:45.394 Here it comes. 16:47.148 --> 16:49.317 That's that close air support I was talking about, 16:49.317 --> 16:50.317 right there. 16:51.102 --> 16:54.019 (roaring of plane) 17:02.425 --> 17:05.342 That's the sound of freedom, right? 17:05.586 --> 17:09.419 And they stand, sit in alert, ready to take us 17:10.300 --> 17:12.300 anywhere in three hours. 17:12.749 --> 17:15.180 I don't think it's ever taken 'em three hours. 17:15.180 --> 17:16.747 They always beat it. 17:16.747 --> 17:19.926 They always get us there and make sure that we're safe. 17:19.926 --> 17:23.259 You know, he does this in a time of war. 17:25.059 --> 17:28.875 You know, during this time here, he had 59 indirect fires 17:28.875 --> 17:30.875 that came onto the base. 17:31.842 --> 17:34.499 Yesterday probably would have been 60. 17:34.499 --> 17:38.117 If it wasn't for the good support from Comm Baff here. 17:38.117 --> 17:40.942 They were able to, shall I say, neutralize the threat 17:40.942 --> 17:44.217 last night, and took out some people that were placing 17:44.217 --> 17:46.467 an IDF, so that we're safe. 17:47.658 --> 17:48.991 Thanks for that. 17:49.556 --> 17:52.265 One of the things that Shredder would probably be 17:52.265 --> 17:55.193 most proud of or he's humble, so he's probably not proud 17:55.193 --> 17:57.193 of it, but he should be, 17:57.894 --> 17:59.644 on 12 November, 2016. 18:01.961 --> 18:06.128 There was a suicide vest IED that unfortunately killed 18:07.645 --> 18:09.562 five of our servicemen. 18:11.336 --> 18:13.349 It was a tough time, I'm sure a lot of you were here 18:13.349 --> 18:14.766 during that time. 18:15.330 --> 18:18.150 That's when you really figure out what people are made of. 18:18.150 --> 18:19.567 What they can do. 18:19.794 --> 18:23.051 His leadership was crucial during that time. 18:23.051 --> 18:27.218 And his leadership and the relationships that he built 18:27.527 --> 18:30.336 with combat Baff, with Major General, that they got 18:30.336 --> 18:32.260 through those times and you got through those times 18:32.260 --> 18:33.093 all right. 18:33.502 --> 18:36.522 The base was locked down for four hours. 18:36.522 --> 18:39.975 But during those four hours, he knew that there were 18:39.975 --> 18:44.142 some soldiers out in Afghanistan that needed protection. 18:45.199 --> 18:49.274 He did not miss, and you guys did not miss, one ATO line 18:49.274 --> 18:53.441 during that event, during that four hour shutdown. 18:53.457 --> 18:55.290 All fighters took off. 18:55.502 --> 18:59.046 He didn't miss any of the strategic air lift, all those 18:59.046 --> 18:59.879 took off. 19:00.592 --> 19:03.692 In addition, he took two C130s and moved some critical 19:03.692 --> 19:07.859 cargo to a different AOR to support a different mission. 19:08.744 --> 19:10.494 That mission was OIR. 19:10.977 --> 19:13.533 All that happened during this time, 19:13.533 --> 19:16.806 and while he was making sure that the soldiers out 19:16.806 --> 19:19.885 in Afghanistan are safe, he was also comforting 19:19.885 --> 19:21.885 the people here at home. 19:22.779 --> 19:25.196 Truly a great accomplishment. 19:25.565 --> 19:28.424 Shredder is going to go off to San Antonio. 19:28.424 --> 19:31.107 He's going to be the A2310 there. 19:31.107 --> 19:34.241 He will join his wife Vicky, daughters Jillian 19:34.241 --> 19:37.574 and Madison, and he'll also go to Hawaii 19:37.748 --> 19:41.581 to do a little R and R, starting on June 20th, 19:43.183 --> 19:47.100 for a week vacation, well deserved, with Vicky. 19:48.546 --> 19:51.555 We'll be back here, still doing the mission, 19:51.555 --> 19:54.341 still thinking of all the words Shredder talked to us 19:54.341 --> 19:57.424 about, all those inspirational words. 19:57.495 --> 20:01.537 If on June 21st you could do one thing for all of us, 20:01.537 --> 20:05.704 raise a Mai Tai, and send us a prayer over this way, 20:06.589 --> 20:10.157 I'm sure you will, job well done, you built something 20:10.157 --> 20:12.960 that you can be proud of, and one day you're gonna be 20:12.960 --> 20:15.653 telling your grandsons and your granddaughters what 20:15.653 --> 20:18.256 you did over here, and you built a story you can be proud 20:18.256 --> 20:20.006 of, buddy, thank you. 20:22.500 --> 20:25.109 Some pretty big shoes to fill, but the perfect person 20:25.109 --> 20:29.276 to do that is sitting to Shredder's left, Bluto Baker. 20:30.415 --> 20:32.900 Bluto Baker has his family dialed in. 20:32.900 --> 20:34.863 You probably can't see it, but there's three cell phones 20:34.863 --> 20:37.853 up here, hopefully they're working, and FaceTime is 20:37.853 --> 20:39.520 doing what they can. 20:39.953 --> 20:43.594 He's got his two parents on the other end of that. 20:43.594 --> 20:47.761 He's got two sisters, a brother, a girlfriend, and a son. 20:48.896 --> 20:51.097 They took the time, I don't even know what time it is 20:51.097 --> 20:54.430 there, but it's not 8:30 in the morning. 20:55.700 --> 20:59.867 But if I could just speak to his parents just for a second. 21:00.575 --> 21:03.431 Your son has done an incredible job. 21:03.431 --> 21:07.014 The achievement of making O7 is a big deal. 21:07.193 --> 21:10.761 The achievement of becoming a squadron commander, 21:10.761 --> 21:13.261 like he's been, is a big deal. 21:13.366 --> 21:16.606 The achievement of being a vice commander is a big deal. 21:16.606 --> 21:20.043 The achievement of being a wing commander is a big deal, 21:20.043 --> 21:21.960 which he's done before. 21:22.064 --> 21:24.903 Now he's gonna be a wing commander twice. 21:24.903 --> 21:28.069 His second wing command is an O7 command. 21:28.069 --> 21:29.652 And it's in combat. 21:30.015 --> 21:32.622 That is pretty much the ultimate achievement that 21:32.622 --> 21:33.955 you can fulfill. 21:34.908 --> 21:37.301 The United States Air Force does a lot of leadership 21:37.301 --> 21:41.301 training to help out our airmen as they move on. 21:42.445 --> 21:45.577 And Bluto's no exception, he's gone to a lot of those 21:45.577 --> 21:49.744 training, but what I've seen, over and over again, 21:50.817 --> 21:53.694 is the leadership and the development that they get 21:53.694 --> 21:57.005 in those first 18 years of their life is really what 21:57.005 --> 21:58.588 makes a difference. 21:59.220 --> 22:03.387 Thanks to both of you for taking that job very to heart 22:04.526 --> 22:08.443 and making Bluto who he is today, which is just 22:09.453 --> 22:13.045 an incredible man, an incredible peer for me, 22:13.045 --> 22:15.545 and an incredible son for you. 22:15.662 --> 22:18.254 Thank you so much for doing that. 22:18.254 --> 22:19.254 About Bluto. 22:20.716 --> 22:23.216 Bluto's a West Point graduate. 22:23.902 --> 22:27.163 Not many Air Force people are West Point graduates. 22:27.163 --> 22:29.824 I almost got a hooah out of the crowd here. 22:29.824 --> 22:32.362 He'll obviously have instant credibility. 22:32.362 --> 22:36.172 But he was a smart West Point graduate and joined 22:36.172 --> 22:39.589 the Air Force the day after he graduated. 22:39.671 --> 22:42.367 From there, he went onto pilot training. 22:42.367 --> 22:44.761 He went to Reese Air Force Base, where he graduated 22:44.761 --> 22:47.094 as a distinguished graduate. 22:47.168 --> 22:50.359 From there, he got selected to fly F16s, 22:50.359 --> 22:54.239 went to F16 RTU, where he graduated as a distinguished 22:54.239 --> 22:55.072 graduate. 22:56.258 --> 23:00.050 Went on to fly operationally, and press people there 23:00.050 --> 23:03.246 to go to the weapons school, which is a very difficult 23:03.246 --> 23:05.163 school for us to go to. 23:05.698 --> 23:09.865 He went there, graduated, yes, as a distinguished graduate. 23:11.733 --> 23:14.882 Got the top flying award there, went operational again, 23:14.882 --> 23:19.049 came back to be an instructor at the weapons school. 23:19.112 --> 23:21.988 Very few people are able to do that. 23:21.988 --> 23:25.620 Transitioned over to the F22, at Holoman, and became 23:25.620 --> 23:27.783 a squadron commander there. 23:27.783 --> 23:31.203 Was a vice commander at Nellis Air Force Base, 23:31.203 --> 23:34.024 and then a wing commander with the Guard Air Force Base 23:34.024 --> 23:36.927 at Toledo, which is a great experience for us to 23:36.927 --> 23:39.885 be able to do as active duty members. 23:39.885 --> 23:42.247 Lastly, he was the director of Chekma. 23:42.247 --> 23:45.080 And now he's soon to be your boss. 23:45.598 --> 23:48.515 I can tell you, you guys are lucky. 23:48.563 --> 23:50.888 I've had the pleasure of knowing Bluto for a while now, 23:50.888 --> 23:55.055 and there's no one better to replace Shredder than Bluto. 23:55.300 --> 23:58.633 He will take this wing to higher ground. 23:59.396 --> 24:02.382 He will make sure that the combat mission gets done, 24:02.382 --> 24:05.621 and he will be up on the stage a year from now, 24:05.621 --> 24:09.272 just like Shredder is, with his head held high, 24:09.272 --> 24:12.121 because he knew he did his best, and he knew that he did 24:12.121 --> 24:15.535 everything he could to protect each and every one of you, 24:15.535 --> 24:19.632 as well as everyone out on the ground in Afghanistan 24:19.632 --> 24:22.882 to make sure that they come back alive. 24:23.000 --> 24:25.790 Bluto, congratulations, thank you, you're gonna do 24:25.790 --> 24:29.957 a great job, and Shredder, you built a great wing here. 24:30.535 --> 24:33.669 Truly an amazing crowd out here, thank you for all that 24:33.669 --> 24:36.419 you do and appreciate, thank you. 24:37.988 --> 24:40.405 (applauding) 24:43.544 --> 24:46.155 And now I think it's time for Shredder to come up 24:46.155 --> 24:48.659 and we're gonna put a bronze star on his chest, 24:48.659 --> 24:52.576 so if everyone could stand up and join me here. 24:53.656 --> 24:57.239 (commanding and responses) 25:00.253 --> 25:01.659 - Attention to orders. 25:01.659 --> 25:04.411 Brigadier General James R Sears Junior distinguished 25:04.411 --> 25:07.886 himself by meritorious achievement as commander, 455th, 25:07.886 --> 25:12.053 air expeditionary wing, while engaged in action against 25:12.164 --> 25:16.257 an enemy of the United States, at Balram Air Field, 25:16.257 --> 25:20.424 Afghanistan, from 31 May 2016 to three June, 2017. 25:22.163 --> 25:25.518 During this period, while deployed in support of 25:25.518 --> 25:28.538 Operation Freedom Sentinel and the North Atlantic 25:28.538 --> 25:31.506 Treaty Organization's Resolute Support Mission, 25:31.506 --> 25:34.008 and exposed to extreme danger from an improvised 25:34.008 --> 25:37.729 explosive device and 59 indirect fire attacks, 25:37.729 --> 25:41.287 General Sears led to the sole combat wing in Afghanistan 25:41.287 --> 25:44.831 which produced major contributions to the national security 25:44.831 --> 25:46.581 of the United States. 25:47.819 --> 25:50.603 As the senior airfield authority for three of 25:50.603 --> 25:53.919 the Department of Defense's busiest combat airfields, 25:53.919 --> 25:58.086 he molded 5,300 airmen, who supported and executed 25:58.290 --> 26:02.123 over 15,800 sorties, which delivered more than 26:02.700 --> 26:06.783 1,369 kinetic strikes, resulting in 2,836 enemies 26:09.014 --> 26:13.181 killed in action, and transported 56,554 tons of cargo, 26:15.180 --> 26:17.013 and 74,876 passengers. 26:20.236 --> 26:22.720 General Sears positioned the wing to continuously 26:22.720 --> 26:25.994 conduct combat operations in support of both 26:25.994 --> 26:29.663 counter terrorism and train, advice, and assist 26:29.663 --> 26:32.470 missions through detailed planning and close coordination 26:32.470 --> 26:36.240 with higher headquarters, joints, and coalition partners, 26:36.240 --> 26:39.795 while reducing presidentially directed force management 26:39.795 --> 26:41.378 levels by 24%. 26:42.382 --> 26:45.536 He also strategically reconfigured the wing for enduring 26:45.536 --> 26:48.895 operations with a longterm airfield master plan of 48 26:48.895 --> 26:53.062 projects, totaling more than $57,000,000 and establishing 26:53.800 --> 26:57.313 a continuity of operations plan for sustained deployed 26:57.313 --> 26:58.230 operations. 26:59.326 --> 27:02.506 Under General Sear's guidance, a revolutionary personnel 27:02.506 --> 27:05.210 recovery option was developed that merged tactical 27:05.210 --> 27:08.271 airlift, combat search and rescue, and aeromedical 27:08.271 --> 27:11.831 evacuation capabilities, and filled a critical personnel 27:11.831 --> 27:12.914 recovery gap. 27:13.628 --> 27:16.650 He oversaw the largest and busiest role three hospital 27:16.650 --> 27:20.817 in Afghanistan, which saw 15,023 patients, conducted 27:22.074 --> 27:26.241 668 surgeries, and aeromedically evacuated 392 patients 27:26.655 --> 27:29.238 from the combat zone to safety. 27:30.221 --> 27:34.388 In addition, on 12 November 2016, in the aftermath 27:35.238 --> 27:38.261 of a suicide vest improvised explosive device attack 27:38.261 --> 27:42.366 that took the lives of five, General Sears provided 27:42.366 --> 27:45.221 immediate response and sound leadership in an uncertain 27:45.221 --> 27:47.959 situation to initiate recovery actions that rapidly 27:47.959 --> 27:52.007 restored airfield operations to ensure aerial support 27:52.007 --> 27:55.174 was ever present for frontline troops. 27:55.193 --> 27:57.891 The exemplary leadership, personal endeavor, 27:57.891 --> 28:01.057 and devotion to duty displayed by General Sears 28:01.057 --> 28:04.009 in this responsible position reflect great credit 28:04.009 --> 28:07.759 upon himself and the United States Air Force. 28:24.735 --> 28:27.152 (applauding) 28:29.323 --> 28:32.906 (commanding and responses) 28:34.145 --> 28:36.937 Ladies and gentlemen, the Commander 455th 28:36.937 --> 28:40.896 Air Expeditionary Wing, Brigadier General Sears. 28:40.896 --> 28:43.313 (applauding) 28:46.671 --> 28:48.338 - Good morning, wow. 28:48.647 --> 28:52.480 What a great morning to be an American airman. 28:53.058 --> 28:55.872 If everybody here hasn't had a chance to look out 28:55.872 --> 28:58.925 on the ramp there, I encourage you all to 28:58.925 --> 29:01.485 either do it now or after we're off the stage, 29:01.485 --> 29:04.072 come up here and take a look out there, and then 29:04.072 --> 29:06.521 look around the hangar here, I'm pretty sure this is how 29:06.521 --> 29:10.658 GI Joe felt when he was in my sandbox, growing up. 29:10.658 --> 29:13.447 This is, what an amazing display, and just a little piece 29:13.447 --> 29:16.396 of what it is we do here in the Vultures. 29:16.396 --> 29:19.851 General Nicholson unfortunately couldn't join us 29:19.851 --> 29:22.585 this morning, had to meet with somebody named 29:22.585 --> 29:26.752 President Ghani, who I think is pretty important here. 29:28.023 --> 29:30.023 All right, on that note. 29:30.955 --> 29:33.584 Everybody in the formation, make sure you move your 29:33.584 --> 29:36.285 feet around, take a break here if you need to, all right? 29:36.285 --> 29:37.919 You guys have all got to be back in the fight here 29:37.919 --> 29:40.455 in about 10 minutes, so make sure you take it easy 29:40.455 --> 29:43.053 and do what you need to to get back in the fight here 29:43.053 --> 29:44.303 this afternoon. 29:44.503 --> 29:48.060 Distinguished guests, commanders, chiefs, sergeant majors, 29:48.060 --> 29:51.245 all the Vultures, I appreciate everybody taking time 29:51.245 --> 29:53.997 out of their day, defending, support and deliver 29:53.997 --> 29:57.668 our power to be, a part of what we are, and to congratulate, 29:57.668 --> 29:59.774 quite frankly, the men and women in the formations 29:59.774 --> 30:01.941 in front of us here today. 30:02.364 --> 30:04.509 To the First Cap Band and the Honor Guard, 30:04.509 --> 30:06.746 you guys bring a touch of class that, quite frankly, 30:06.746 --> 30:08.825 is just not expected in a combat zone. 30:08.825 --> 30:11.688 I appreciate everything you did to be here. 30:11.688 --> 30:13.827 Thanks to Chaplain Jans for those inspiring words 30:13.827 --> 30:17.193 and if everyone, the one person who always gets 30:17.193 --> 30:19.817 gypped at these, because we're standing at attention 30:19.817 --> 30:22.388 and we go right to the chaplain, is the National Anthem 30:22.388 --> 30:25.415 singer, so if Senior Airman Johnson could take a bow 30:25.415 --> 30:27.625 and everybody could give him a round of applause. 30:27.625 --> 30:30.042 (applauding) 30:36.057 --> 30:38.052 That was very well done. 30:38.052 --> 30:40.120 Staff Sergeant Alison, phenomenal job. 30:40.120 --> 30:41.725 You still got a little bit more to go here, 30:41.725 --> 30:44.113 but you might have a future in broadcasting. 30:44.113 --> 30:47.326 And then Lieutenant Reyome and Tech Guston, 30:47.326 --> 30:50.022 we're way back of course, that's where protocol 30:50.022 --> 30:52.362 lives, back in the back, but many thanks. 30:52.362 --> 30:54.444 You guys are what really brought this all together, 30:54.444 --> 30:56.897 make it such a special occasion today. 30:56.897 --> 31:00.168 I thank General Nicholson this morning for quite frankly 31:00.168 --> 31:02.795 being the best air power advocate in Afghanistan. 31:02.795 --> 31:06.405 But quite frankly, it has been my true honor to support 31:06.405 --> 31:09.850 his soldiers and his people that are doing the mission 31:09.850 --> 31:11.517 here in Afghanistan. 31:11.606 --> 31:15.065 With four runways, the two busiest combat logistics hubs 31:15.065 --> 31:18.144 in DOD and Craig joining Theater Hospital for the last year. 31:18.144 --> 31:21.799 And maybe a little bit of decisive air power in there, 31:21.799 --> 31:22.632 as well. 31:23.301 --> 31:26.019 I know Major General Thompson is on his well earned R and R, 31:26.019 --> 31:29.691 but I saw Paul Maley over here and General Donahoe, 31:29.691 --> 31:33.132 if you would pass on my thanks to him and his staff, 31:33.132 --> 31:36.334 for their energy and their support to our combat mission 31:36.334 --> 31:39.121 here, the partnership between the wing commander 31:39.121 --> 31:41.156 in combat is critical to making sure that we can 31:41.156 --> 31:43.985 deliver that decisive air power to the rest of Afghanistan, 31:43.985 --> 31:46.568 and we can't do it without him. 31:46.592 --> 31:49.562 Commanding in combat truly has been the greatest honor 31:49.562 --> 31:50.645 of my career. 31:50.801 --> 31:52.887 Last fall, when General Carlyle, the commander of 31:52.887 --> 31:54.850 air combat command was here, he asked me how things were 31:54.850 --> 31:57.283 going, and I thanked him for giving me the best job 31:57.283 --> 32:00.552 in the Air Force, to which he promptly looked at me 32:00.552 --> 32:02.084 and said, "You're damn right you have the best job 32:02.084 --> 32:03.415 "in the Air Force." 32:03.415 --> 32:05.164 And we had a good laugh at that. 32:05.164 --> 32:07.213 However, I really have had the best job in the Air Force 32:07.213 --> 32:08.713 for the last year. 32:08.757 --> 32:11.063 I owe General Carlyle, Lieutenant General Hurrigan 32:11.063 --> 32:14.029 and Major General Toliver so much for being such 32:14.029 --> 32:15.112 a great year. 32:15.253 --> 32:18.189 General Hecker, you represent everything that was 32:18.189 --> 32:20.741 entrusted to me by multiple levels of leadership 32:20.741 --> 32:21.991 over that time. 32:22.324 --> 32:24.434 Thank you for your leadership over the last couple months, 32:24.434 --> 32:27.033 and I know that air power's in great hands in Afghanistan 32:27.033 --> 32:28.533 for the next year. 32:29.433 --> 32:32.080 In just a few days, I'll be able to hug my wife, Vicky, 32:32.080 --> 32:34.364 and personally thank her for everything she did 32:34.364 --> 32:37.705 so that I could focus on the enemy this year. 32:37.705 --> 32:41.326 None of this is worth anything without her and my daughters. 32:41.326 --> 32:44.308 Bluto, you got an amazing year ahead of you. 32:44.308 --> 32:46.006 Best of luck, my friend. 32:46.006 --> 32:49.089 Blink and it'll be June of next year. 32:49.821 --> 32:52.496 I'd be remiss if I didn't pass on one more thing to you 32:52.496 --> 32:55.341 before I get to my comments and that's if everyone here 32:55.341 --> 32:58.543 would please join me in a round of applause for 32:58.543 --> 33:01.118 Chief Mass Sergeant Pete Spene, spending his 30th 33:01.118 --> 33:04.987 and final year of service to our great nation with me 33:04.987 --> 33:06.237 in Afghanistan. 33:06.515 --> 33:08.932 (applauding) 33:15.938 --> 33:18.224 Who puts their wife and that next to each other 33:18.224 --> 33:20.025 in a speech, I don't know. 33:20.025 --> 33:22.737 But now, a few words to the wonderful men and women 33:22.737 --> 33:26.237 I've served with in the 455th AW Vultures. 33:26.480 --> 33:29.216 Secretary Matt has famously said that if you read 33:29.216 --> 33:31.881 about history, you become aware that nothing begins 33:31.881 --> 33:32.714 with us. 33:32.980 --> 33:36.198 74 years ago, the 455th Bombardment Group and her 33:36.198 --> 33:38.141 B24s were serving over the skies of places 33:38.141 --> 33:41.440 that generations since have studied and thought about 33:41.440 --> 33:42.440 with horror. 33:42.625 --> 33:44.542 Andio, Casino, Pluesdy. 33:45.521 --> 33:48.236 Our forebears served honorably, while, unfortunately, 33:48.236 --> 33:51.023 400 airmen paid the ultimate sacrifice. 33:51.023 --> 33:53.991 Bagram Air Field and the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing 33:53.991 --> 33:56.622 and the airmen with whom I have had honor to serve 33:56.622 --> 34:00.365 over the last year continue that legacy of valor today. 34:00.365 --> 34:03.404 Despite rockets, rains, winds, and the extremes of 34:03.404 --> 34:06.390 Afghan summer and winter, fewer personnel then any 34:06.390 --> 34:09.159 home station unit, we were able to launch more 34:09.159 --> 34:11.248 than two entire year's worth of home station flying. 34:11.248 --> 34:14.701 More importantly, US and coalition forward operating 34:14.701 --> 34:17.524 bases, thousands of American service members, 34:17.524 --> 34:20.910 tens of thousands of civilians conduct operations 34:20.910 --> 34:25.077 without worrying about food, water, and life saving support. 34:26.091 --> 34:29.608 The thousands of close air support stories and hundreds 34:29.608 --> 34:32.643 of bombs that you've just heard about sound interesting, 34:32.643 --> 34:35.278 but they mean so much more to me, and so much more 34:35.278 --> 34:37.278 to so many other people. 34:37.313 --> 34:39.256 There are US and coalition soldiers who safely return 34:39.256 --> 34:42.809 home to hug their families because airmen were there 34:42.809 --> 34:44.314 when they needed them. 34:44.314 --> 34:47.568 And ultimately because airmen like you, there are 34:47.568 --> 34:50.568 fewer terrorists in the world today. 34:50.825 --> 34:52.845 Vultures, your legacy is truly amazing, 34:52.845 --> 34:55.845 your service impacts the lives of the 99% of Americans 34:55.845 --> 34:58.831 who will never know what it's like to miss a birthday, 34:58.831 --> 35:02.162 a holiday, an anniversary, or the birth of a child, 35:02.162 --> 35:05.157 you have put places on the map that generations 35:05.157 --> 35:08.230 of Americans will study and remember, as well. 35:08.230 --> 35:12.397 Nangarhar, Lashpargah, Sangin, and Robert's Ridge. 35:13.199 --> 35:16.559 You are part of a tradition of honor and a legacy 35:16.559 --> 35:18.708 of valor that continues to prove what Hap Arnold 35:18.708 --> 35:22.208 knew so well, without air power, you lose. 35:22.358 --> 35:24.549 I am truly honored and humbled to stand here before you 35:24.549 --> 35:27.450 today, as the commander of a storied wing. 35:27.450 --> 35:29.988 I'm tremendously proud of everything you do 35:29.988 --> 35:33.803 every day to protect America, and that 99%. 35:33.803 --> 35:36.643 I thank you for your service, and I thank your families 35:36.643 --> 35:39.595 for their sacrifices today and every day, so that we 35:39.595 --> 35:42.131 can successfully conduct counter terrorism operations 35:42.131 --> 35:45.350 and enable the Terrain Advise and Assist campaign 35:45.350 --> 35:47.203 with our Afghan partners. 35:47.203 --> 35:50.370 America is safer because you are here. 35:51.056 --> 35:54.726 Together, we are the premiere air wing in the world's 35:54.726 --> 35:57.192 greatest Air Force, and I know that because 35:57.192 --> 36:01.275 Chief Speen, could you help me out one more time? 36:02.534 --> 36:04.701 - Vultures. - Lead the way. 36:06.173 --> 36:07.469 - Thank you all once again. 36:07.469 --> 36:09.469 Vulture One signing off. 36:09.593 --> 36:12.010 (applauding) 36:16.361 --> 36:18.863 - Thank you, Brigadier General Sears. 36:18.863 --> 36:21.870 The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing will now render 36:21.870 --> 36:25.620 their last salute to Brigadier General Sears. 36:25.803 --> 36:29.386 (commanding and responses) 36:52.496 --> 36:55.749 Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the official change 36:55.749 --> 36:57.416 of command ceremony. 37:06.111 --> 37:07.778 Attention to orders. 37:08.453 --> 37:12.426 Department of Air Force Headquarters, United States 37:12.426 --> 37:16.532 Air Force, Washington, DC, special order number G17 37:16.532 --> 37:20.699 dash 02 dated 22 May 2017, under the provisions of 37:21.743 --> 37:25.826 Air Force instruction, 51 dash 604, and effective 37:26.098 --> 37:28.348 the third day of June 2017. 37:29.965 --> 37:33.419 Brigadier General James R Sears relinquishes command 37:33.419 --> 37:37.436 of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Bagram Airfield, 37:37.436 --> 37:40.721 Afghanistan, and Brigadier General Craig R Baker 37:40.721 --> 37:44.775 assumes command of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing 37:44.775 --> 37:47.165 Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. 37:47.165 --> 37:49.074 By order of the commander. 37:49.074 --> 37:52.351 Ninth Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force, Afghanistan, 37:52.351 --> 37:54.768 Major General James B Hecker. 38:27.300 --> 38:29.717 (applauding) 38:30.433 --> 38:31.850 Please be seated. 38:32.182 --> 38:35.599 (ordering and responses) 38:35.905 --> 38:37.848 It is my privilege to introduce the commander 38:37.848 --> 38:41.681 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Brigadier General 38:42.274 --> 38:43.274 Craig Baker. 38:44.164 --> 38:46.581 (applauding) 38:55.749 --> 38:57.444 - Good morning, Vultures. 38:57.444 --> 39:00.769 The coolest thing about this is, for most of the ceremony 39:00.769 --> 39:04.936 is I'm usually following two guys that are over six feet 39:06.390 --> 39:08.817 tall, but in a lot of cases, I have to adjust 39:08.817 --> 39:11.082 the microphone, and in this particular case, the microphone 39:11.082 --> 39:15.249 is perfectly at my height, a strong five feet five inches, 39:15.908 --> 39:17.723 so guys, I appreciate that. 39:17.723 --> 39:21.890 And Comm, thank you very much, you knew I was coming. 39:22.081 --> 39:24.294 But again, good morning, Vultures. 39:24.294 --> 39:28.005 It's been an amazing day, and is an amazing day 39:28.005 --> 39:30.648 to be an airman in the United States Air Force, 39:30.648 --> 39:33.468 and I offer you the same thing Shredder did. 39:33.468 --> 39:35.940 If you haven't taken time to look around you 39:35.940 --> 39:39.940 at the display of awesome air power in the 455th 39:39.966 --> 39:43.027 Air Expeditionary Wing, I invite you and encourage you 39:43.027 --> 39:47.194 to do that, and thank you again for all being here. 39:47.863 --> 39:50.439 I especially want to thank Major General Hecker, 39:50.439 --> 39:54.439 general officers, all fellow commanders, chiefs, 39:54.758 --> 39:58.498 sergeant majors, first sergeants, interagency partners, 39:58.498 --> 40:02.581 contractors, multinational partners, those family 40:02.601 --> 40:06.449 and friends that are watching online, and of course, 40:06.449 --> 40:08.248 all the members of the Air Force's 40:08.248 --> 40:10.415 finest expeditionary wing. 40:10.770 --> 40:12.944 Your attendance and participation in this time 40:12.944 --> 40:16.361 honored tradition is greatly appreciated. 40:17.441 --> 40:19.774 I love ceremonies like this. 40:20.113 --> 40:22.564 Change of commands are an extremely important part 40:22.564 --> 40:26.115 of our military heritage, and I would like to also 40:26.115 --> 40:29.358 extend a thanks, in addition to General Hecker 40:29.358 --> 40:32.084 and General Sears, for everybody that had anything 40:32.084 --> 40:34.167 to do with this ceremony. 40:35.581 --> 40:37.416 It's awesome to be a part of it. 40:37.416 --> 40:39.827 And can we give one more round of applause for all 40:39.827 --> 40:42.706 those that set this up and for all those that are 40:42.706 --> 40:44.651 responsible for this ceremony, thank you. 40:44.651 --> 40:47.068 (applauding) 40:50.149 --> 40:52.316 What a selfless sacrifice. 40:54.468 --> 40:56.994 Being given the privilege and the gift of command 40:56.994 --> 41:00.055 also brings with it many responsibilities, 41:00.055 --> 41:03.764 none more important than ensuring mission success 41:03.764 --> 41:07.435 and taking care of our deployed airmen and their families. 41:07.435 --> 41:11.572 Command also produces emotions and feelings that can 41:11.572 --> 41:14.904 only come from the honor of leading those who are 41:14.904 --> 41:17.237 willing to sacrifice so much 41:17.433 --> 41:21.322 for not only their country but fellow Americans. 41:21.322 --> 41:23.806 Those I will not forget while in command of the 455th 41:23.806 --> 41:25.723 Air Expeditionary Wing. 41:26.930 --> 41:30.172 I want to begin by thanking Major General Hecker 41:30.172 --> 41:34.339 for this incredible opportunity to lead the Vultures. 41:34.568 --> 41:36.993 And for having the vision to choose me, 41:36.993 --> 41:40.631 as well as the courage to act on that vision. 41:40.631 --> 41:43.430 I'm truly honored for this rare opportunity, 41:43.430 --> 41:45.713 a chance to command a second wing, 41:45.713 --> 41:47.796 and this time, in combat. 41:48.661 --> 41:52.494 Sir, I appreciate your trust, your confidence, 41:53.958 --> 41:55.375 and your support. 41:55.518 --> 41:57.410 I promise you this wing will get what it deserves, 41:57.410 --> 42:00.326 100% of my effort keeping focused on the mission 42:00.326 --> 42:04.065 while taking care of our airmen, and always looking 42:04.065 --> 42:05.578 for ways to improve. 42:05.578 --> 42:06.411 Thank you. 42:08.475 --> 42:10.866 I also need to thank my family. 42:10.866 --> 42:12.998 Who are all watching online. 42:12.998 --> 42:15.402 There is no doubt that the reason I am standing here 42:15.402 --> 42:19.235 today is because of you, my incredible family. 42:19.429 --> 42:23.596 Thank you to my mom, my dad, my brother, my sisters, 42:23.695 --> 42:25.862 and all of their families. 42:25.890 --> 42:29.470 My mom taught me dedication, my dad perseverance, 42:29.470 --> 42:32.165 and collectively you all taught me sacrifice and 42:32.165 --> 42:36.325 growing up in households where the importance and honor 42:36.325 --> 42:40.158 of service was exemplified virtually everyday. 42:41.092 --> 42:44.349 You taught me the inherent value of honesty, hard work, 42:44.349 --> 42:47.099 and to always do and be the best. 42:48.181 --> 42:50.671 Nothing could have prepared me better in life, 42:50.671 --> 42:53.382 or have prepared me better for serving an organization 42:53.382 --> 42:57.549 who also values integrity first, service before self, 42:57.756 --> 43:00.173 and excellence in all you do. 43:00.205 --> 43:01.455 I love you all. 43:02.289 --> 43:06.022 I would also love to thank my son Sam, for making me 43:06.022 --> 43:07.689 more proud everyday. 43:07.742 --> 43:09.917 For teaching me the value of relationships 43:09.917 --> 43:13.701 and for not only writing this speech, but also for 43:13.701 --> 43:15.155 selecting my wardrobe. 43:15.155 --> 43:17.822 Son, these OCPs are pure genius. 43:18.575 --> 43:20.697 Thanks for your support and sacrifice. 43:20.697 --> 43:22.030 I love you, son. 43:22.496 --> 43:24.748 And finally, I want to thank my lovely and beautiful 43:24.748 --> 43:26.331 little lady Lauren. 43:26.335 --> 43:30.163 I couldn't be more proud, fortunate, and any luckier 43:30.163 --> 43:31.830 to call you my girl. 43:32.323 --> 43:36.319 Someone who is supportive and there for me in everything 43:36.319 --> 43:39.665 that I do, someone who has taught me selfless service. 43:39.665 --> 43:42.906 Thank you for your sacrifice, support, love, care, 43:42.906 --> 43:44.573 counsel, and advice. 43:45.460 --> 43:47.980 Our connection is like no other. 43:47.980 --> 43:49.397 I love you, baby. 43:49.901 --> 43:54.068 Like all of our families in this wing, and throughout 43:54.114 --> 43:56.827 our Air Force, nothing I do would be possible 43:56.827 --> 43:59.880 without your support and sacrifices you are so willing 43:59.880 --> 44:00.713 to make. 44:01.974 --> 44:04.680 I would also like to thank a heartfelt thank you 44:04.680 --> 44:07.147 to Brigadier General Shredder Sears for his warm welcome, 44:07.147 --> 44:11.314 his unwavering service, and sacrifice over the past year, 44:12.451 --> 44:15.975 and for leading the world's best wing to new heights 44:15.975 --> 44:18.987 of excellence, and mission success with passion and 44:18.987 --> 44:20.094 professionalism. 44:20.094 --> 44:22.995 And just as important, while you've been quite busy, 44:22.995 --> 44:25.459 Shredder, for the last 12 months, thanks for taking the 44:25.459 --> 44:28.053 time to not only answer all my goofy questions, 44:28.053 --> 44:32.220 but ensuring that I was fully prepared for this challenge. 44:32.491 --> 44:35.697 There is no doubt that the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing 44:35.697 --> 44:39.864 is and continues to be recognized as the Air Force's 44:40.505 --> 44:42.769 best because of your efforts. 44:42.769 --> 44:45.250 The organization will continue to benefit from your 44:45.250 --> 44:48.779 hard work and dedication for all years to come. 44:48.779 --> 44:51.372 I am grateful for your leadership and for leaving 44:51.372 --> 44:54.606 me in a situation where my biggest challenge is to 44:54.606 --> 44:56.939 not screw up what we've got. 44:57.381 --> 44:59.624 I want to wish you and your family the best, 44:59.624 --> 45:02.406 especially as you take on challenges at AETC 45:02.406 --> 45:03.906 as the A23 and 10. 45:04.700 --> 45:06.367 Thank you, Shredder. 45:07.042 --> 45:10.473 The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing success is founded upon 45:10.473 --> 45:13.742 steadfast support and trust for our amazing 45:13.742 --> 45:17.909 Department of Defense joint interagency and multinational 45:18.592 --> 45:19.425 partners. 45:19.642 --> 45:22.174 Without questions< you are all our wing's most 45:22.174 --> 45:23.591 essential airmen. 45:23.668 --> 45:26.600 Vital partners are without question, you are our 45:26.600 --> 45:29.950 wing's most essential airmen, vital partners for 45:29.950 --> 45:32.829 our enduring mission, success, and we will continue 45:32.829 --> 45:35.412 to thrive and prosper together. 45:35.452 --> 45:38.448 It is essential, our relationship is one of harmony, 45:38.448 --> 45:42.615 ensuring compatibility in opinion, action, and mission. 45:43.086 --> 45:46.218 I personally look forward to getting to know all of you, 45:46.218 --> 45:48.877 and for working together for mission success. 45:48.877 --> 45:52.675 And finally, to the airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary 45:52.675 --> 45:56.842 Wing, I stand before you very proud and very humbled. 45:57.650 --> 46:01.524 It is an indescribable, incredible honor and privilege 46:01.524 --> 46:04.691 to be your new commander, Vulture One. 46:05.351 --> 46:08.333 You are known throughout the Air Force and throughout 46:08.333 --> 46:10.508 the world as the very best. 46:10.508 --> 46:12.763 We have a phenomenal team here. 46:12.763 --> 46:16.737 Your sense of duty, loyalty, and commitment make the 46:16.737 --> 46:19.820 seemingly impossible tasks look easy. 46:20.109 --> 46:22.287 You represent the standard of excellence 46:22.287 --> 46:25.631 expected of our airmen and our astounding array 46:25.631 --> 46:28.381 of 21st century combat air power. 46:29.641 --> 46:31.808 As an F16 lands behind me. 46:32.530 --> 46:35.569 These are challenging and demanding times for a nation. 46:35.569 --> 46:38.719 We are at the tip of the spear, generating, supporting, 46:38.719 --> 46:41.302 and delivering combat air power 46:41.443 --> 46:44.534 for the nation, friends, and allies, and to help 46:44.534 --> 46:47.482 the Afghan people defeat terrorists that have infested 46:47.482 --> 46:48.649 their country. 46:49.390 --> 46:52.483 So we need your professionalism, dedication, 46:52.483 --> 46:56.650 experience, courage, ingenuity, innovation and talents 46:56.936 --> 46:58.186 more than ever. 46:58.716 --> 47:01.969 By working together and never accepting anything 47:01.969 --> 47:05.345 less than excellence, we will ensure that the 455th 47:05.345 --> 47:09.256 Air Expeditionary Wing continues to be the premiere 47:09.256 --> 47:12.137 counter terrorism wing, enabling a successful train 47:12.137 --> 47:14.387 advise and assist campaign. 47:15.772 --> 47:17.855 Failure is not an option. 47:18.597 --> 47:22.764 Nor has it been throughout our prestigious Vulture heritage. 47:22.823 --> 47:26.098 Second best is unacceptable when you're dealing with 47:26.098 --> 47:29.803 the protection of our country and our way of life. 47:29.803 --> 47:32.939 We are part of the profession of arms. 47:32.939 --> 47:34.974 Some of you are here for three months. 47:34.974 --> 47:35.807 Some four. 47:36.106 --> 47:37.439 Some six months. 47:37.631 --> 47:38.631 Some a year. 47:38.913 --> 47:43.080 And I know there's at least one retired senior NCO Woody, 47:43.093 --> 47:45.280 who I got to meet yesterday, that has been here for 47:45.280 --> 47:46.447 over a decade. 47:46.697 --> 47:49.758 Either way, we are deployed together as one team. 47:49.758 --> 47:52.080 We will continue to execute our mission, 47:52.080 --> 47:54.777 we will not forget to take care of our most important 47:54.777 --> 47:57.444 asset, you, our deployed airmen. 47:58.508 --> 48:00.881 And to that end, I promise my heart and soul 48:00.881 --> 48:04.120 to our mission, our airmen and their families, 48:04.120 --> 48:08.080 and our joint interagency and multinational partners. 48:08.080 --> 48:11.247 My charge to you is simple, lead well. 48:12.128 --> 48:16.265 Thank you for who you are, everything that you stand for, 48:16.265 --> 48:19.938 everything that you do, and for how well you do it. 48:19.938 --> 48:21.771 You make a difference. 48:22.401 --> 48:24.234 Vultures lead the way. 48:25.171 --> 48:27.588 (applauding) 48:29.935 --> 48:33.407 - At this time, the men and women of the 455th 48:33.407 --> 48:36.630 Air Expeditionary Wing will render their first salute 48:36.630 --> 48:38.786 to Brigadier General Baker. 48:38.786 --> 48:42.369 (commanding and responses) 49:03.429 --> 49:05.839 Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the playing 49:05.839 --> 49:08.141 of the Air Force song, and the departure of the 49:08.141 --> 49:09.391 official party. 49:12.987 --> 49:15.404 (horn music) 49:51.754 --> 49:54.694 Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Major General Hecker, 49:54.694 --> 49:57.928 and the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, thank you 49:57.928 --> 49:59.980 for attending today's ceremony. 49:59.980 --> 50:03.241 We invite all guests to stay and welcome Brigadier 50:03.241 --> 50:05.827 General Baker, at the reception area in the back 50:05.827 --> 50:06.994 of the hangar. 50:09.250 --> 50:12.833 (commanding and responses)