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438th AEW changes command

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jamie Humphries
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan --  Brig. Gen. Tim Ray assumed command of the 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Aug. 27 in a ceremony at the Afghan air force base Kabul, Afghanistan.

Brig. Gen. David Allvin, who commanded the wing for nearly a year, relinquished command in a ceremony attended by wing Airmen and members of the Afghan air force.

Lt. Gen. William Caldwell, NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan commander, attended the ceremony, as did Maj. Gen. Tod Wolters, commander, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force - Afghanistan and AAF Commander Maj. Gen. Abdul Wahab Wardak.

Allvin spoke about his time commanding the 438th where he led the wing in setting the conditions for a professional, fully independent and operationally-capable AAF that can meet the security requirements for Afghanistan.

"Your (438th AEW members) commitment to our Afghan partners to not only produce sorties and quality training -- but to consistently and relentlessly demonstrate the power and value of a professional force -- that is a legacy that will best ensure that transition will be irreversible," he said.

Ray arrives in Kabul from his position as director of operations, Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

While at Barksdale, the general served at the newly activated command assuming control of the nation's Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles, B-2 and B-52 bombers. His efforts were critical for all functions relating to organizing, training and equipping the forces for AFGSC's major weapon systems. AFGSC provides combatant command commanders with combat ready forces to conduct strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike operations.

Addressing 438th AEW Airmen, Ray talked about the honor of serving as a wing commander and reiterated the importance of the AAF training mission in Kabul.

"Your mission here is critical and an essential piece in helping establish a secure and democratic nation. It's important that your role in support of our nation's interests and those of our allies and partners is fully understood and trusted to endure."

Allvin heads to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where he will become the vice commander, 618th Air and Space Operations Center for Air Mobility Command.