New commander takes charge of 386th AEW

Published June 30, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Stefanie Torres
386th Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Hundreds of Airmen and guests watched as the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony here June 30.

Col. Patrick Mordente, who most recently served as the commander of the 314th Operations Group at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark, took command from Col. John Gordy II, who is leaving after a year of leading more than 3,600 Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, DoD civilians and contractors at an undisclosed air base here.

Presiding over the ceremony was Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage, commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command, who began his comments by reflecting on the numerous accomplishments of Colonel Gordy.

"Your leadership ... has provided the critical vision necessary to get those engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom what they needed to succeed," General Hostage said. "On your command, the 386th has provided the key note for getting the forces and supplies needed to accomplish the mission. Flying at near-perfect mission effectiveness, and moving over one million war-fighters into and out of theater, the 386th has well maintained its nickname, the Gateway to Victory."

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.

General Hostage also talked about the significance of Colonel Mordente's role as the new commander at a time when U.S. forces here continue to provide direct support for the responsible drawdown in Iraq while simultaneously supporting current military operations in Afghanistan.

"Welcome to the fight," he said. "The task does not come easily. I know you understand the importance of the 386th mission. You inherit a complex, capable wing whose variety of missions well matches the challenges faced by America. This wing is critical, and I offer you my full support. You are the right man for this job; lead these Airmen well."

During the ceremony, Colonel Gordy received a Bronze Star Medal for his accomplishments as commander here. During the past year, for example, the wing executed more than 14,000 sorties and airlifted over 354,000 tons of cargo into and out of the theater of operations. The wing also performed 734 convoy missions hauling over 733,000 tons of cargo more than 13 million miles.

Colonel Gordy thanked the men and women of the 386th AEW for their hard work and for making his past year "a great tour."

"This assignment, this job and this opportunity has been an absolute blast," he said. "There is always talk about ops tempo and how well we can keep up the pace out here. But I witnessed firsthand the patriotism of our young Airmen, the professionalism of our NCOs and officers. There is no doubt in my mind that we can sustain as long as our country needs us. You all make me proud to be an American and make me proud to be an Airman. The relationships I have made here are made for a lifetime. Men and women of the 386th, it has been my honor to serve alongside of you and lead you this year as your wing commander."

Colonel Mordente spoke about his desire to continue the 386th mission in the same tradition.

"The professionalism of the 386th is outstanding and nothing less than impressive," he said. "I am truly fortunate, and the Air Force is very kind to allow me to be here today. It is, therefore, with humility and a profound sense of responsibility to the men and women of the 386th AEW that I take this command. We will continue to focus on the mission and commit to the success of the joint war-fighter. We will live up to the great heritage and standards set by those who came before us."

Colonel Mordente graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1987 with a bachelor's degree in engineering mechanics. He has participated in Operations Provide Promise, Provide Comfort, Provide Transition, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and worked in the Horn of Africa.

"I look forward to the year ahead and the continued excellence this organization has proven itself capable of," he said.