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.

New 386 EOG commander focused on combat air power

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shaun Emery
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Col. Mark Czelusta assumed command of the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group from Col. David Miller during a change of command ceremony held here July 7.

Colonel Czelusta previously served as European Deployment and Distribution Operations Center chief, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany.
As 386th EOG commander, Colonel Czelusta leads a team of Airmen providing combat airlift, airborne electronic attack and operations support capabilities to the warfighters serving in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

Col. John Gordy, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, presided over the ceremony. In his opening remarks, Colonel Gordy gave praise to Colonel Miller and his team of operations Airmen for their successes over the past year. 

"Today we're saying goodbye to an extraordinary leader in Colonel Miller," said Colonel Gordy. "Under your leadership the 386th EOG flew more than 9,800 missions, transported more than 352,000 people and delivered more than 3,800 tons of cargo. You seized the reins of this outfit and led extraordinary Airmen to these extraordinary feats." 

Before being relieved of command, Colonel Miller took a moment to address the operations personnel standing in formation. 

"I'd be remiss if I didn't give credit where credit was due," he said. "We were able to accomplish all these great feats because of the tens of thousands of hours put in by those hot and dirty maintainers, the mission support Airmen, the medics and everyone supporting us here at the rock and throughout the AOR. I'm grateful for all the memories I'll take from here. It was my honor to be your commander." 

While the 386th EOG set numerous records under Colonel Miller's command, Colonel Gordy said he was optimistic about this change of command. 

"We should not be concerned with Colonel Miller's departure," he said. "We've hired the right officer to take over the 386th EOG. At the end of this ceremony he will take the stick of the ops group and his command will take it to new heights. He was chosen because he is the right leader for this outfit." 

That new leader, Colonel Czelusta, is a senior pilot with over 2,700 hours. He commanded an operations support squadron, and has two tours as a C-130 Hercules squadron commander, supporting Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. 

In his first address as 386th EOG commander, Colonel Czelusta said the priorities for his command would mirror those set forth by the Air Force and its chief of staff. 

"Our Air Force priorities are clear and I know they're familiar," he said. "One in particular has distinct and tangible relevance to the 386th EOG; partnering with joint and coalition teams to win today's fight." 

Colonel Czelusta went on to add. 

"Our Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norman Schwartz, described this priority in very simple language, 'We're all in.' Here at the 386th we're completely committed. You've demonstrated that we are definitely all in."

Colonel Miller moves on to a position at the Pentagon in Washington.