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Col Dwight Sones takes command of 376 AEW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan --  Colonel Blaine D. Holt relinquished command of the 376th Air Expeditionary Wing to Col. Dwight. C. Sones in a ceremony outside the headquarters building June 15, 2010. Presiding over the change of command was Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, Commander, U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Southwest Asia.

Colonel Sones was previously the Vice Commander, 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del.; and Colonel Holt has been reassigned as a Military Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City.

Upon relinquishment of command of the 376th AEW, Colonel Holt was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

"Blaine, your leadership of 4,600 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines has provided the critical vision necessary to get those engaged in operation enduring freedom what they needed to succeed," General Hostage said.

"Under your command, the 376th has fueled the fight and lifted the forces and supplies it needed to accomplish our mission," he said. "When called upon to surge, your team's 40 percent expansion delivered. This would have been a significant accomplishment even without the challenges of the past several months.

"In light of all that has transpired with the transition of power here in Kyrgyzstan and its impact on your fuel availability, the wing's accomplishments are nothing short of heroic."

Most importantly, Colonel Holt left the 376th better than when he found it, according to the general, who expressed complete confidence in Colonel Sones' ability to lead the wing.

"Dwight, I know you understand the importance of the 376th Wing's mission," General Hostage said. "You inherit a complex, capable wing whose variety of missions well matches the challenges faced by America and her allies. This wing is critical, and I offer you my full support as you lead them to new heights. You are the right person for this job, and I have total confidence that you will lead these Airmen well."

Colonel Sones is a command pilot with more than 3,300 flying hours. He received his commission through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Pennsylvania State University. His background includes experience in strategic airlift, tactical airlift, and aerial refueling missions. He served on numerous operational assignments and staff positions at the joint and major command levels.

"It is great to be here with each of you today," Colonel Sones said as he addressed the wing for the first time as commander. "For me, this is a moment filled with anticipation and excitement. I am honored. Thank you for being here to share this special occasion.

"The work ahead is significant, and the responsibility is great; however, it is incredibly reassuring and exciting to know I am surrounded by, and have the opportunity to serve with, each of you - the talented, dedicated, enthusiastic members of Team Manas."

The Transit Center at Manas currently serves as the premier air mobility hub for the International Security Assistance Force and coalition military forces operating in Afghanistan. The around-the-clock missions include aerial refueling, airlift and airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, and support for coalition personnel and cargo transiting in and out of Afghanistan. Coalition aircraft here include U.S. KC-135s and C-17s. In addition, the Transit Center has a robust humanitarian assistance mission which benefits the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Transit Center has approximately 850 military personnel assigned and employs about 750 contract workers to assist with day-to-day operations and to support the personnel assigned to and transiting through the installation. Approximately 600 of the Transit Center's contract employees are local nationals.