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380AEW Article

New commander takes helm of 380th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Col. Mike Minahan took command of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing during a change of command ceremony June 14 at a non-disclosed base here. 

As the commander of the 380th AEW, Colonel Minahan is responsible for a wing comprised of five groups and 18 squadrons. He is responsible for the wing's air refueling, air battle management and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia.  The 380th AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

According to his biography, Colonel Minahan graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986. He has held numerous positions in operational flying units, and has served in headquarters staff positions at the unified command and major command levels.

He has commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels. While deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operation, he commanded a KC-135 squadron and a mobility operations group in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Prior to assuming his position, Colonel Minahan served as the executive officer to the deputy commander at U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

He is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flight hours in tanker, airlift and training aircraft. Additionally, Colonel Minahan has been selected for the rank of brigadier general.

To see more about the change of command, click on the Change of Command Slideshow.