By Senior Airman Taryn Butler, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing / Published May 28, 2021
U.S. Air Force Col. Henry Triplett, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 27, 2021. A change of command ceremony symbolizes the transfer of responsibilities from one commander to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taryn Butler)
U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Mayer, right, 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander, says goodbye to the group during a change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 27, 2021. As commander of the 386th EMXG, Mayer oversaw personnel who provide maintenance and munitions to C-130H Hercules and M-Q9 Reaper aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taryn Butler)
U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Mayer, right, 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander, relinquishes command during a change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 27, 2021. As commander of the 386th EMXG, Mayer oversaw personnel who provide maintenance and munitions to C-130H Hercules and M-Q9 Reaper aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taryn Butler)
U.S. Air Force Col. Grant Meadows, right, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, assumes command during a change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 27, 2021. Meadows took command after attending the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taryn Butler)
U.S. Air Force Col. Grant Meadows, right, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, introduces himself to the group during a change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 27, 2021. Meadows took command after attending the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taryn Butler)
The 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony here, May 27. Col. Henry Triplett, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, officiated the ceremony and led the symbolic change of leadership by the passing of the guidon from Col. Brian Mayer to Col. Grant Meadows. “Command is both an honor and a privilege, and I take my responsibilities as your group commander extremely serious, even more so in this expeditionary environment,” said Meadows. “To the men and women of the 386th EXMG, it is not only my goal to make you feel like you matter, but to show you each and every day how much you matter as a valued member of our team.” Mayer thanked and praised his family, the group, and wing leadership for their efforts, dedication and team work over the last year. “It was clear these Airmen, rotation after rotation, were here to answer their nation's call,” said Mayer. “And that determination and drive was evident in their everyday work. That is something I will never forget. Grant, it's a great relief to know that you are next to lead these great Airmen to new heights.”
The wing commander took over the stage to greet Meadows after saying goodbye to Mayer.
“We found another great leader for the 386th EMXG,” said Triplett. “Grant, I promise you this will be one of the most rewarding leadership experiences of your career. I'm confident that you will do and continue to do well and excel in this position.”