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Col. King assumes command of 386th EMDG

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Thomas J. Doscher
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Col. James E. King Jr. assumed command of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group from Col. Robert Rennie at a ceremony at the Rock Chapel Jan. 29. 

Colonel King is deployed from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where he is the deputy command surgeon for Air Force Materiel Command. 

"Though small, the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group is a vital part of the mission here," the Winter Haven, Fla., native told the crowd after formally taking command. "They're a highly-trained group of medical professionals, and I am grateful to be able to be here to lead them." 

During his speech welcoming the new commander, Col. Cameron Torrens, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, said Colonel King was the perfect man for the job. 

"You're the right commander to pick up where Rob left off," he said. "While Rob's time here was dynamic, I suspect you'll find yours even more so. You're centrally located to deal with a conflict in which the exit strategy has yet to be clearly defined and another conflict in which the entry strategy is still underway. To care for our nation's battle wounded is a sacred trust, and your outstanding record and history of performance clearly shows that you are worthy of that trust." 

A dentist by trade, Colonel King earned his doctorate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Although the Rock is his first deployment, Colonel King said he is excited to be working with the men and women of the 386th. 

"Our job is to ensure that the war fighter is fit to fight and to help care for those who become sick and injured," he said. "The 386th EMDG is a team of proud professionals, and they look forward to serving those here on the Rock and those who transit through it. I look forward to guiding them over the next six months and working with our partners here on base and the local area." 

Giving the professionals what they need to do the job is at the core of his leadership philosophy, Colonel King said. 

"I believe in giving my team the right training, the right tools and the right direction and move out of the way," he declared. "If you support your team, and they enjoy what they are doing, it will show in the quality of care that is provided."