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The 386th EMXG bids farewell to a great leader

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rachelle Elsea
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Several base leaders and members of the maintenance profession, witnessed as Col. Paul McAneny assumed command of the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group during a change-of-command ceremony here June 14, replacing Col. Ricky Thompson.

The 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander, Col. Patrick Mordente, presided over the ceremony and spoke a few short words about Colonel Thomson.

"The Airmen of the 386th have participated in Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, Pakistani Humanitarian Relief Operations, and Operation Horn of Africa over the past year under the leadership and guidance of Colonel Thompson," said Colonel Mordente. "During this time the 386th Maintenance Group has enabled more than 14,000 sorties, movement of more than 350,000 passengers and more than 15,000 tons of cargo, while being instrumental in the historical draw down of Iraq."

Today the work accomplished by the 386th maintainer facilitates more than 90 percent of the airlift missions flown in Operation New Dawn, he added.

"You are the backbone of logistics in the Iraqi theater," said Colonel Madente. "To put this in terms that are more tangible, the 386th has averaged launching an aircraft every 38 minutes, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week for the past year."

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

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

"Over this past year, I have benefited from the advice and experience of commanders and awesome chiefs," said Col. Thompson. "But, even we understand that this mission would be impossible to accomplish without the expertise of some phenomenal Senior NCOs, NCOs, and Airmen. They are the professionals who give their all each and every day to make the wing's flying mission the best."

After acknowledging multiple contributions of his Airmen, Col. Thompson relinquished command. With the simple words, I assume command, and the receiving of the guidon, Colonel McAneny took command of the maintenance group.

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

"Thanks buddy," said Col. McAneny. "Seriously, we all know your quality and you leave us with the hardest challenge of all. I think most of you here today are familiar with the book "Good to Great"; in the case of the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group... over the next year we must make a great organization even better."

The new EMXG commander also had words for his group members.

"Finally, to the Airmen of the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, I expect nothing but the best from you during your tour here and promise to reciprocate that effort in kind," said Colonel McAneny. "I'm looking forward to working with you on the flight line, in the back shops, and in the offices. Now let's get back to 'putting those herks in the air.'"

Colonel McAneny arrived here after serving as the Dean of Students and a faculty instructor at the Air War College, Spaatz Center for Officer Education, Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.