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The 386th EOG welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Several base leaders and members of the operations profession, witnessed as Col. Mark August assumed command of the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group during a change-of-command ceremony here July 29, replacing Col. Scott Brewer.

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander, Col. Michael Zick, presided over the ceremony and spoke a few short words about the outgoing and incoming commanders.

"What a phenomenal day in the proud heritage of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing and the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group,'" said Col. Michael Zick. "Today we pay honor to and recognize the accomplishments of Colonel Scott Brewer and welcome his replacement Colonel Mark August."

During the past year, the group has executed some 15,000 combat sorties delivering 672,000 passengers and 116,000 tons of cargo while maintaining an unprecedented 98.4 percent mission effectiveness rate. This was critical due to the base's responsibility of providing 90 percent of the Iraqi's daily airlift requirement.

"During this time, the airlift squadron grew to twice its size," said Colonel Zick. "The group forward deployed elements of it ten times to Afghanistan relieving airlift and aeromedical shortfalls there. We delivered 120 million dollars in flood aid to ravaged Pakistan and directed the Wings first ever combat airdrops in Afghanistan and a two-ship heavy equipment airdrop in the Horn of Africa."

We also provided precise non-kinetic effects using our EC-130s to respond to 420 time-sensitive air strike requests in Afghanistan, he added. Finally, we ran the "best run airfield" in the Area of Responsibility completing more than 10 million dollars in critical improvements that guaranteed the safety of more than 60,000 coalition flight operations.

Colonel Brewer took the time to say a few words to his audience before he officially relinquished command.

"In the past 13 months that I have had the privilege to serve here, our Operations Group has undergone significant transition in mission, a blistering tempo of operations, and success across the board," said Colonel Brewer. "Each member of the EOG has had an important role in the effort ... every specialty, every rank, every functional area. Despite our relatively small number, we fought above our weight and produced lasting and strategic effects that reshaped this region in ways that will enhance the security of our nation."
I consider myself blessed to have has this opportunity to live vicariously through each and every one of you, he added.

After acknowledging the multiple contributions of his Airmen, Col. Brewer relinquished command. With the simple words, "Sir, I assume command," and the receiving of the guidon, Colonel August took command of the Expeditionary Operations Group.

Colonel August began his tenure as the 386th EOG commander by thanking the outgoing commander and other guests and expressing his enthusiasm about taking command.

Colonel August arrived here after attending the National War College at Fort McNair, Washington D.C.