Bagram stands up four new squadrons for Airmen on the front lines

Published May 7, 2009
By Staff Sgt. Jason Lake
455th Air Expeditionary Wing

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing added four new squadrons to its growing list of units during an assumption of command ceremony here May 5.

More than 1,200 Joint Expeditionary Tasking and Provincial Reconstruction Team Airmen deployed to more than 40 forward operating bases and camps throughout Afghanistan will now be assigned to 655th, 755th, 855th or 955th Air Expeditionary Squadrons under the 755th Air Expeditionary Group.

"As our mission roles have increased, it became obvious we needed to reorganize the 755th AEG," explained Col. James Reed, 755th AEG commander, before unfurling the new unit guidons. "These squadrons will be instrumental in taking care of our Airmen working side by side with the Army, coalition forces and the Afghan people fighting terrorism in Afghanistan."

Colonel Reed said the leadership, management and expertise of the new squadron commanders and staff will provide greater accountability, administrative control and support for Airmen.

The four squadrons coincide with International Security Assistance Force's regions of responsibility and provide support for Airmen in more than 130 different Air Force specialty codes.

· Lt. Col. John Neal, assumed command of the 655th AES located at Forward Operating Base Sharana and will oversee more than 200 JET and Individual Augmentee Airmen at more over 20 locations within Regional Command East.

· Lt. Col. Daren Sears assumed command of the 755th AES located at Kandahar Air Field. He will command approximately 300 JET and IA Airmen in Regional Commands South and West.

· Lt. Col. Bob Fournier assumed command of the 855th AES located at Camp Phoenix where he will lead more than 525 JET and IA Airmen in the Regional Command Capital area in and around Kabul.

· Maj. Rosalind Abdulhalik temporarily assumes command of the 955th AES that is charged with leading more than 600 JET and IA Airmen in Regional Command North to include Bagram Air Field. Lt. Col. William Wade, who is wrapping up an assignment at the Pentagon, is slated to take command of the unit this summer. Major Abdulhalik will then become the unit's operations officer.

"I'm honored to have this opportunity," Colonel Neal said shortly after the ceremony. "I didn't think I would get another opportunity to command a unit in a combat zone."

Major Abdulhalik said her first priority is to ensure Airmen under her command will have everything they need to complete the mission.

"This job is about taking care of the Airmen out there and making sure they are equipped and well-trained to carry out the mission," she said.

Lt. Col. Ernest Drake, 755th AEG deputy commander, said the squadrons will ensure better oversight as the group increases by 25 percent from approximately 1,200 to 1,600 Airmen in the coming months.

"[These Airmen] are instrumental in supporting ISAF operations across Afghanistan to strengthen security, enhance governance and increase development of a healthy infrastructure here," he said.

Since 2003, Airmen assigned to provincial reconstruction teams have provided funding, engineering expertise and security for construction projects aimed at improving infrastructure of surrounding communities. The Air Force manages six of 26 U.S. and coalition PRT outposts located throughout the country.

"They are producing great results as new schools, hospitals, roads, bridges and water well projects are completed," Colonel Drake explained.

Air Force embedded training teams mentor government civilians, Afghan National Army and National Police, as well as, medical and legal teams working throughout the country.

Airmen assigned as IAs within multi-national, joint service and sister service branch organizations lend their career field skill sets to accomplish specific missions.

"Our Airmen are 'all in' to help Afghans provide good governance, promote justice and take on increased responsibility in the planning and execution of security and stability operations across the country."

The assumption of command ceremony was the third of its kind held here this year. In January, Lt. Col. Frank Flores assumed command of the first expeditionary aerial port squadron in theater.

The 455th EAPS was stood up to focus on the increasing airlift demands here as a result of a new strategy outlined by President Barack Obama and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to dramatically increase American military forces in Afghanistan.

In March, U.S. Air Forces Central also stood up the 504th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group here to provide command and control over more than 125 air liaison officers, tactical air controllers and combat weather Airmen supporting missions throughout the country.