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387th AEG welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vincent Borden
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Col. John Sullivan assumed command of the 387th Air Expeditionary Group from Col. Michael Haefner during a change of command ceremony here Aug. 11, to the applause of Airmen from the group and U.S. and coalition forces.

Col. Cameron Torrens, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, presided over the ceremony. He commented on the accomplishments of Colonel Haefner during his tenure with the group, and importance of the mission of the 387th AEG.

"The 387th AEG is directly responsible for providing all of the strategic airlift of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines that come in and out of [this location]," Colonel Torrens said during the change of command ceremony. "And they do an outstanding job at it.

"With 14,000 aircraft, 700,000 passengers and 110,000 tons of cargo moved, I'm amazed," said Colonel Torrens. "It's no wonder [Colonel Haefner] is the 9th Air Force's Lance P. Sijan award nominee for leadership."

Colonel Haefner was awarded the Bronze Star for his efforts. Among his accomplishments were numerous infrastructure improvement projects, including an armored defense operations center and airport expansion project, and the establishment of security and defense operations for the group. During his last address to members of the 386th AEW, he  thanked the Airmen of the 387th AEG, who had a significant part in his success during his yearlong tour.

"You have put the [group] on the map in a big way," said Colonel Haefner. "You are another chapter in the assortment of distinguished Airmen of the 387th Tiger Tails."

Upon receiving command of the group, Colonel Sullivan expressed his enthusiasm to command the 387th AEG, perform its mission and continue its success since being reactivated last year.

"This is such a great opportunity, and such a great honor ... to work with the host nation and the embassy," Colonel Sullivan said. "This will be a tremendous learning experience for me, and I will do the best I can."

As the new commander in charge of the 387th AEG, Colonel Sullivan is responsible for the execution of strategic airlift operations in U.S. Central Command's busiest aerial port. The group also provides security, defense and maintenance for 450 military and civilian personnel assigned to the area.

Colonel Sullivan comes to the 387th AEG after an assignment at the Total Force Integration Division in Washington, D.C. Colonel Haefner was selected for reassignment as the chief of the Requirements Division at U.S. Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.