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380AEW Article

Command of 380th AEW changes hands

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Command of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing changed hands for the 44th time since its inception in 1942 during a ceremony here June 20.

Brig. Gen. Paul McGillicuddy assumed command of the wing after Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander and presiding officer, relieved Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Lofgren of the duty.

"The members of the 380th maintain a phenomenal pace, as they shepherd operations across four geographically separated locations, in three countries, across two AORs [areas of responsibility], Goldfein said. "You accomplish that every day by operating the Air Force's only joint, ISR [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance], tanker, fighter and airborne command and control wing. The task of maintaining and employing the level of weapons systems is an incredible challenge, and one that you make look easy every day.

"When it came time to choose who should command these Airmen, I submit only one name, and I get who I ask for. Such is the nature of selecting your commanders to lead in combat, and it's among the most important decisions that I ever make."

McGillicuddy was formerly the 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander at Beale Air Force Base, Calif.

"To the men and women of the 380th, our mission today is just as critical as ever," McGillicuddy said. "Nothing's changed just because we've changed wing commanders. I've seen what you do up close. Not only am I impressed, but I'm inspired.

"Our way forward is simple. General Goldfein has laid out five priorities. We're going to do all of these things while maintaining our standards and adhering to the core values which have made us strong - integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do."

Goldfein presented the Bronze Star medal to Lofgren during the ceremony. Lofgren transitions to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., where he will be the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander. He thanked his leadership team at the wing, among his thanks to Goldfein, host nation leadership, his family and others.

"You guys set the standard on teamwork," he said. "I preached from day one teamwork, and you guys took that and ran with that. You achieved incredible results ... all while never sacrificing our important mission here of paying attention to the soldiers, sailors, Airmen and marines that are on the ground in Afghanistan every single day. You stayed focused on the team, you focused on excellence, you did it with that can-do attitude that I asked you to do and stayed laser-focused on the mission. You never faltered. You earned the Meritorious Unit Award that this wing received this year. To that I salute you."

He also passed a few words to McGillicuddy before his departure.

"You are the right leader, as General Goldfein said. You can push this wing past what we have done to achieving great successes," Lofgren said. "The team is yours. They are ready, just call the play. It's been an incredible year, one that I will never forget. Thank you all. One team, one fight."