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379th Air Expeditionary Wing welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Colin Cates
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar --  Service members gathered for the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing change of command ceremony June 12 at Al Udeid Air Base.

The presiding officer of the ceremony, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Lofgren, U.S. Air Forces Central Command deputy commander, spoke highly of the 379th AEW.

"I'm impressed by the excellence of the 379th AEW, and it is an honor to preside over today's ceremony," Lofgren said. "It is our heritage and our legacy that we are honoring today along with this great team of leaders."

Lofgren also mentioned some of the wing's accomplishments over time.

"This is a combat wing that continually rises to surpass every challenge it encounters," Lofgren said. "This wing has a proud heritage forged in combat from World War II to present day, which accomplishes the mission with decisive combat air power."

Lofgren presented Brig. Gen. Roger H. Watkins, 379th AEW outgoing commander, with a Bronze Star medal and recognized some of his leadership accomplishments during his tenure.

"Roger you have led the largest and one of the most diverse air expeditionary wings in the world and keeping all of the various missions focused to deliver decisive combat air power is a testament to your leadership," Lofgren said. "His leadership, insight and strategic vision have imparted an unmatched culture of success, motivation, compliance and modernization, while sustaining critical combat operations."

Before relinquishing command, Watkins addressed the members of the 379th AEW.

"Everything I have accomplished here is not about me; it is about the men and woman of this great wing," said Watkins. "Anytime you spend two years of your life on a singular focus you have to give many thanks to a lot of people, I appreciate everything you have given to this wing and all the sacrifices as well."

Watkins also reflected on his time and experiences as the commander for the past two years.

"These last two years I have been given the honor and privilege to command the warrior Airmen of the Grand Slam Wing," said Watkins. "Culminating everything I have trained for and employed operationally over the last 27 years, this time will forever be etched in my memory and heart, it is not the accomplishment and accolades that I will remember; it is the people, friendships and relationships that I have experienced."

After assuming command, Brig. Gen. Darren Hartford, 379th AEW commander, shared his thoughts and appreciation for the chance to lead the wing.

"Thank you for this opportunity to command, I am excited to be a part of this historical wing," said Hartford. "My priorities are simple: Mission, Airmen and our partners. I will continue to provide decisive combat air power."

Hartford also addressed the men and women of the 379th AEW.

"To the men and woman of the Grand Slam Wing and host nation leaders, I will make every effort to learn your mission as quickly as possible," Hartford said. "I look forward to meeting you and I can only offer you hard work and honesty, while balancing family life while we all work toward common objectives. So to our team, let's get on to the mission."