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386 AEW salutes new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Zachary Kee
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Col. Charles Bolton took command of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing from Col. Clarence Lukes, Jr. during a change of command ceremony June 20, 2016 at the Rock Theater.

Bolton assumes command after serving as the 314th Operations Group commander at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

Maj. Gen. Scott Kindsvater, 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force–Levant commander, presided at the ceremony and welcomed Bolton to command after offering his comments on the leadership of Lukes and the wing’s accomplishments during his tenure.

“His passion for the mission and concern for our Airmen were evident to me as his commander,” said Kindsvater. “His leadership paved the way for the effective and precise means of eradicating high value targets from the battlefield and destroying Daesh’s ability to command and control.”

Kindsvater continued by thanking Lukes for his impact on the mission and wishing him and his family the best in their future endeavors.

Today the 386th supports both operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel and is home to the busiest aerial port in Southwest Asia. Over the past year it has also grown to be the largest intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operation in the entire world with 35 dedicated assets.

Lukes said he believes the Marauders of the 386 AEW made a difference over the past year and he will not forget what they accomplished.

“Our ISR and attack capabilities have caused Daesh to confront multiple operational dilemmas simultaneously,” said Lukes. “They control 45 percent less territory in Iraq today than they did a year ago and have less of a foothold in Syria by 20 percent. The fight is not over and I am certain the Marauders will continue to thoroughly impose our will on the enemy.”

Lukes, who has been in command since June 2015, will head to the Pentagon in Washington D.C. upon his return to the states.

“Fortunately we have the honor of welcoming another superb Airman and officer to take command of the reins of the 386th, Col. Charles Bolton,” said Kindsvater. “His background and experience as a tactics officer and weapons school graduate have prepared him very well for the challenges of wing command.”

For the new commander, this isn’t his first time here. Bolton was the commander of the 386th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron from June 2009 to 2010, as he led Airmen in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Bolton assumed command of the wing and outlined a clear focus to build on the groundwork done by Lukes.

“Thank you for leaving me with a very smooth running machine,” said Bolton as he gestured to Lukes. “I really will continue using a lot of what you have already established. All I need to do is build on that foundation you laid and improve what I can for the Marauders.”

To conclude the ceremony, Bolton took the time to address the Marauders and said it didn’t take long to see how much they take pride in what they do.

“I’m a big believer in pride,” said Bolton. “Actions do speak louder than words and making the mission happen is exhibited every day on this base. You are rock solid and ready for anything. I look forward to leading and working with you over this next year.”