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386th AEW changes command

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ken Scholz
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing conducted a change of command ceremony here July 1, when Col. Michael P. Zick relinquished command to Col. David S. Farrow.

Lt. Gen. David L. Goldfein, commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, Southwest Asia, officiated the event.

"What an honor it is to officiate over this change of command ceremony," Goldfein said, noting that this was the 25th change of command in the 386's history.

Established December 1, 1942 and resurrected again September 1, 2000 the 386 AEW Marauders now "provide vital airpower against violent extremism," said Goldfein.

"You were the right man to have on point," Goldfein said thanking Zick for his work while in command. "Thank you for your calm, steady, mature leadership."

The event marked the culmination of Col. Zick's year-long command of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, located at an air base in Southwest Asia.

"To my Marauders, past and present," Zick said, "It was your skill, tenacity and attitude that made this wing a success. It has truly been an honor to serve with you."

The wing is the primary tactical airlift hub for re-supply missions supporting Coalition operations in Iraq and providing combat service support to Land Component Forces throughout the Persian Gulf Region and Iraq.

Zick was credited by Goldfein for leading the wing during the Iraq drawdown, the single largest retrograde of personnel and equipment since World War II.

After assuming command, Farrow thanked Zick for his leadership saying, "I take this post knowing that I follow in the footsteps of someone very special indeed."

"To the men and women of the 386th AEW...my task for the next year is to serve you," Farrow said, "My challenge to you is to continue your habit of excellence as leaders and warriors."

My first official decision was to select my command chief, said Farrow. "I selected Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Daubert."

Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Daubert takes the place of Chief Master Sergeant M. Kenui Balutski as command chief master sergeant for the wing. He will be the principal advisor to the commander on all enlisted issues as well as providing mentorship for all assigned enlisted personnel.

Farrow and Daubert join the Marauder team from the 621st Contingency Response Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J.

"It is a very great day to become a marauder," said Farrow, "from the western front of WWII to the vast expanses of the Central Command Area of Operations. Everyone knows Marauders make [it] happen."