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Marauders welcome new commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Caleb Pierce
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing passes the reigns during a change of command ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, July 11, 2018.

Col. Stephen L. Hodge, the outgoing 386th AEW commander, relinquished command to Col. Patrick L. Schlichenmeyer, who previously held position as the Chief, Aircrew Operations & Training Division, Directorate of Operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration Headquarters, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

“‘Schlich’, it’s been an intense and challenging year, your energy will absolutely fuel this wing,” said Hodge. “I look forward to having you in the seat and you’ll push us up to new heights that I can’t even dream about. It’s with great privilege and honor I get to hand the guidon to you and let you lead. It’s amazing so just keep challenging the Marauders, they’ll rise without a doubt and they’ll succeed.”

Schlichenmeyer, a command pilot who comes to the 386th AEW with more than 25 years of military experience, has amassed more than 3,700 flying hours throughout his military career, and has led missions and units during numerous combat operations at numerous locations.

Schlichenmeyer entered the Air Force in 1993 after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy. He has served in a variety of positions at the wing, squadron and staff levels to include vice wing commander and Total Force Integration squadron commander.

“Our Airmen deserve continued outstanding leadership and that’s just what you’ll get with Col. Patrick Schlichenmeyer. Let there be no doubt, he is qualified to lead this wing,” said Maj Gen. Chad P. Franks, commander, 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force-Levant. “‘Schlich’, welcome to the team and I look forward to watching you take the Marauders to new heights.” 

As commander of the 386th AEW, Schlichenmeyer is responsible for a composite wing that includes air mobility, precision strike, personnel recovery, electronic attack, logistics operations and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. 

The wing is comprised of more than 4,000 active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve Airmen, along with coalition forces. Approximately 410 of the wing's Airmen are filling Joint Expeditionary Taskings in support of U.S. Army combat support requirements at forward operating bases throughout Southwest Asia.

“’Haji’, you have left me an amazing team, I hope to lead them as well as you have,” said the new wing commander. “Marauders, thank you. You make the hard look easy. Your work is important, and I’m truly honored to be your Marauder lead. I look forward to delivering decisive airpower, defending and improving installations and fostering partnerships with you.” 

During the ceremony, Hodge received the Legion of Merit for distinguishing himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as commander of 386 AEW over the past year. He will move on to his next assignment as the commander the 314th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

“The American treasures that we have here, are the men and women of the 386th. I challenged you over the year but each rotation brings strength with them and it’s up to you to put the right people in the right place,” said Hodge. “Every single time you stepped up to the challenge and my thanks to the hard earned efforts and your own personal sacrifice. What you bring to the fight every day is amazing.”