An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

386th Air Expeditionary Wing welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Marelise Wood
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  SOUTHWEST ASIA - The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing conducted a change of command ceremony here July 1, 2013, when Col. David "Shawn" Farrow relinquished command to Col. John M. Klein.

The presiding officer for the ceremony was Lt. Gen. David L. Goldfein, Commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Southwest Asia.

"What an honor it is for me to stand here and officiate at this change of command ceremony," said Goldfein. "The many accomplishments of the 386th over the past year are a testament to the leadership of the team assembled here. As one of our primary mobility hubs, the 386th employs combat assets in support of operations across the area of operations. Shawn, you provided the critical vision necessary to lead this team during a very important time, so congratulations on this command tour and safe travels as you transition to home to your loving family and important duty as the next Chief of Staff of 18th Air Force."

Farrow expressed his thanks for the general's words and to his 386th AEW Marauder family for the past year.

"The environment definitely changed over the past year," said Farrow. "You grasped our 'prepare, engage, and defend' focus...thank you Marauders!"

Goldfein also welcomed Klein to the 386th fold.

"When searching for the next commander we hit a home run," he said. "Col. John Klein brings the perfect blend of operational expertise and proven leadership necessary to take the Marauders to even greater heights. We're thrilled to welcome you to the team and can't wait to watch this organization take on your personality as it continues to set the bar in this AOR."

Klein, who joins the Marauders from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., where he served as the 60th Air Mobility Wing vice commander, then assumed command.

"Lieutenant General Goldfein, thank you for granting me this command opportunity to serve the men and women of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing and their families," said Klein. "I don the mantle of command humbly but extremely exhilarated."

"Marauders, our wing bears a colorful and heroic heritage dating back to its conception as the 386th Bombardment Group on 25 Nov 1942," he added. "You are part of the 386th legacy, and you have the historical opportunity and responsibility to build upon that legacy for those who will tread in your footsteps years from now. I pledge my very best to our mission, and to you our Airmen."