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.

The 386th EMSG bids farewell to a great leader, hails new commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Several base leaders and members of the mission support profession, witnessed as Col. Richard T. Poore assumed command of the 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group during a change-of-command ceremony here June 29, replacing Col. Rizwan Ali.

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander, Col. Patrick Mordente, presided over the ceremony and spoke a few short words about the outgoing and incoming commanders..
"Today we recognize the accomplishments of Colonel Rizwan Ali and welcome his replacement Colonel Poore'" said Col. Patrick Mordente, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "Two great commanders ... two great warriors."

Today the work accomplished by the 386th Mission Support Group elements accounts for over 90 percent of airlift missions flown in Operations New Dawn, he added. You all represent the backbone of logistics and support in the Iraqi theater.

"The 386th EMSG has moved over 700,000 tons of cargo, performed more than 1,700 Security Escort Team and 300 Fly Away Security Team missions while being instrumental in the historical drawdown of Iraq," said Colonel Mordente.

He then presented the Bronze Star to the departing commander for his outstanding accomplishments during his one-year tenure.

Directly following, Colonel Ali took the time to say a few words to his audience before he officially relinquished command.

"Day after day our hardworking Airmen have kept the mission of the wing going and actively participates in all manners of activity to improve our wing and base," said Colonel Ali. "My personal thanks go out to all of you. I would deploy again with you anytime, anywhere."

After acknowledging the multiple contributions of his Airmen, Col. Ali relinquished command. With the simple words, "Sir, I assume command," and the receiving of the guidon, Colonel Poore took command of the Mission Support Group.

Colonel Poore began his tenure as the 386th EMXG commander by thanking the outgoing commander and sharing his thoughts on deployment.

"Riz, under your incredible leadership the group was laser focused on providing proactive agile combat support so the entire wing could fully execute its mission," said Colonel Poore. "Thank you for building such a strong foundation and forging such a high performance team.

Planes don't take off; planes don't get fixed; and planes don't get loaded or unloaded without this group, he added.

"Similarly, Airmen don't get food; Airmen don't get water; and Airmen don't get adequate rest or relaxation in a stressful and high ops tempo environment without the help of the 386th Mission Support Group," said Colonel Poore. "It's an incredibly difficult and diverse mission set and frankly after being here only a short time, I'm awed by what you have accomplished in the last 12-months alone."

Colonel Poore arrived here after serving as the Director of Manpower and Personnel at the Unites States Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.