U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND -- U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND – Brig. Gen. Travis L. Edwards assumed command of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing from Brig. Gen. Richard R. Dickens during a change of command ceremony in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, June 9, 2025.
Maj. Gen. David G. “Baja” Shoemaker, deputy commander of 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central), presided over the ceremony.
Before assuming command of the 379th AEW, Edwards served as inspector general for Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. There, he oversaw inspections of more than 68 active-duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units supporting 107,000 personnel worldwide, focusing on readiness, safety and operational effectiveness.
During the ceremony, Dickens offered a warm welcome to the incoming commander.
“Travis, this is your wing now,” Dickens said. “I have no doubt that they will get the mission done as you lead them to new heights.”
Dickens passed the wing guidon to Shoemaker, who then presented it to Edwards, symbolizing the formal transfer of command.
In his opening remarks, Edwards paid tribute to the 379th AEW’s history and achievements.
“It’s obvious this wing focuses on excellence,” Edwards said. “We stand on the shoulders of giants—the 379th Bombardment Group, a unit whose bravery and sacrifice helped shape the course of history.”
Edwards also shared his vision for the wing’s future and emphasized the continued importance of the base’s mission.
“I know the Airmen of the 379th will prevail,” he said. “The Grand Slam Wing’s impact in such a strategically important part of the world is without question. We will continue to serve as the regional epicenter of power projection while strengthening partnerships.”