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380AEW Article

380 AEW welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Morgan
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Brig. Gen. Kevin B. Schneider took command of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing from Brig. Gen Paul McGillicuddy during a ceremony June 20 held inside the Phantom Center here. Presiding over the change of command was Lt. Gen. David L. Goldfein, U.S. Air Forces Central commander, Southwest Asia.

"The best opportunity of this job is working with the greatest treasure in this nation's arsenal, the men and women who choose to serve our nation," said Goldfein. "The mission now is to take these young men and women - mold them, train them and lead them."

Schneider entered the Air Force in 1988 and earned his pilot wings as a distinguished graduate from Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training. He graduated from F-16 Weapons School and later served as a Weapons School F-16 Division instructor pilot. Schneider commanded the 80th Fighter Squadron as well as the multi-national 80th Flying Training Wing Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. He has participated in four combat deployments and served as a member of a Special Operations Task Force.

The 380 AEW was established in Southwest Asia in January 2002 and is home to approximately 3,000 personnel completing one of the most diverse combat wings in the Air Force. The wing comprises five locations, three countries, two areas of responsibility, 13 weapon systems, five groups, and 24 squadrons. Its mission partners include an Army air defense battalion and a Navy aerial maritime surveillance detachment.

Schneider is responsible for the wing's air refueling, air battle management and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission in support of operations Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

After taking command, Schneider spoke of his dream of commanding a wing in the area of responsibility.

"This is a tremendous honor and a dream come true," said Schneider. "I have been amazed at the pace and diversity of the operations here. I am thrilled to be part of this great team."
Speaking to the Airman of the 380th AEW, Goldfein expressed his confidence in Schneider.

"[Schneider] is a man who can step in and not miss a beat. He is a man who understands operational airpower, and a leader who will build upon our strong relationships with host nations, said Goldfein. "He is an Airman who will earn your trust and confidence with his strong and steady approach. He is the right Airman for this job."

Concluding the ceremony, Schneider said, "it has been abundantly clear to me the work that goes on here. We ask a great deal of our Airmen every day. Your professionalism, dedication and success is evident. We will have challenges, but I could not ask to be part of a better team."

McGillicuddy was awarded the Bronze Star for his service as commander of the 380 AEW. He will serve as director of staff of Pacific Air Forces as his next assignment.