New commander switches gears from U.S. to Iraqi training mission

Published Jan. 6, 2011
By Tech. Sgt. Jason Lake
321st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGHDAD -- A general formerly charged with shaping the U.S. Air Force's brightest officers took charge of the Iraqi air force training and advisory mission during a change of command ceremony Jan. 6.

Brig. Gen. Anthony Rock, who most recently served as Air Command and Staff College commandant and Spaatz Center for Officer Education vice commander, took command of the 321st Air Expeditionary Wing and Director of Iraq Training and Advisory Mission - Air Force from Brig. Gen. Scott Hanson.

"If you examine General Rock's career background, you'll likely conclude the U.S. Air Force specifically crafted it for him to command this wing at a crucial time in its history," said Brig. Gen. Russell Handy, Ninth Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force - Iraq commander, who presided over the ceremony inside Al Faw Palace at Victory Base Complex. "He has led Airmen and commanded in virtually every capacity of combat aviation and training specialties. He has PhD-level leadership skills in everything military forces do, from air defense to air-ground-integration to pilot training to history and doctrine."

General Handy also congratulated General Hanson after a challenging year in Iraq.

"Under [General Hanson's] leadership, these Airmen assisted their Iraqi air force partners in achieving extraordinary accomplishments in the past year, as they doubled the force to nearly 6,000 Airmen and 120 aircraft," General Handy said among hundreds of U.S. and Iraqi partners who attended the ceremony. "General Hanson also led his wing through a massive reorganization, absorbing two new expeditionary groups and responsibilities for administering their air bases. Today, the Airmen who run these installations are mentoring their Iraqi partners in all aspects of airfield operations so they may assume complete authority over these bases in the coming months."

In April 2010, General Hanson assumed authority over the 407th Air Expeditionary Group at Ali Air Base and 447th Air Expeditionary Group at Sather Air Base from the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing as U.S. forces realigned for drawdown operations leading up to Operation New Dawn last September.

"Scott, I know you are feeling very proud right now that you will be able to look upon this nation in years to come and know you were a critical part of its historic transition," General Handy added.

Before handing over the guidon to his successor, General Hanson reflected on his year in Iraq.

"I've witnessed first-hand great leaders, many in this room, whose courage, patriotism and determination bring the reality of a safe and secure nation for the people of Iraq closer each and every day," said General Hanson. "It has been my privilege to have been part of the team whose training and advising support for the Iraqi air force has helped with their astonishing growth and development."

The general thanked Staff Lt. Gen. Anwar Hamad Amen Ahmed, the Iraqi air force's top commander, for his airmen's commitment and sacrifice as U.S. forces draw down and Iraqi forces step in.

"General Anwar, under your leadership, the air force has expanded its operational impact, supporting Iraqi security forces across the country," General Hanson said. "From covering the skies ensuring free and fair elections, to supporting the Iraqi Navy over the Gulf; from assisting secure critical oil infrastructure to airlifting the wounded to medical facilities; from integrating with Iraqi police and special forces arresting terrorists in Baghdad to exercising air assault missions with the Iraqi army - your airmen are demonstrating each and every day their professionalism and courage. I have been honored to witness your leadership, particularly knowing the sacrifices and risks you and your airmen take each and every day you put on your uniform."

General Hanson also thanked the hundreds of Airmen under his command serving on base transition teams and training and advisory teams in places such as Kirkuk, Tikrit, Taji, Ali and Baghdad.

"It has been a true blessing to have such talented group and squadron commanders, command chiefs and superintendents leading, advising, training, operating and mentoring here in Iraq," he said. "It is not only these superb leaders, but the tremendous Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors who work hand-in-hand with their Iraqi partners that have, through their expertise and drive, helped model the standards of a professional military."

After accepting the command guidon, General Rock addressed his Airmen and Iraqi partners for the first time.

"Our American and coalition advisors work daily with our Iraqi partners and every day Iraqi forces are more capable of securing the citizens and providing a brighter future," said General Rock, a native of San Antonio. "While there are many things that make us unique, one thing we have common is the desire for a more secure future for our nations. It is the desire of every father that his children, and indeed grandchildren, live in a safer world than that in which he lived. This is true regardless of our nationality."

The general urged those under his command to finish strong as the Dec. 31, 2011 deadline established under the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Status of Forces Agreement quickly approaches.

"It is obvious this will be a historic year and together we will all be better at the end of it, but there can be no progress without hard work," he said. "It is clear the Iraqi air force has developed an exceptional capability for the nation and will work hand in hand with the ground forces. It is just as clear that the best path for our nations is to work together to achieve this goal. We must, can and will work side by side to ensure a brighter future and we will reach new heights for our air forces."