586th AEG welcomes new commander

Published July 21, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Vincent Borden
386th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airmen assigned to the 586th Air Expeditionary Group welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony here July 18.

Col. Alan Metzler assumed command of the 586th Air Expeditionary Group from Col. Patrick Bielby during a change-of-command ceremony. Col. Cameron Torrens, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, was the presiding officer for the event.

In his last address to the Airmen of the 586th AEG, Colonel Bielby expressed his final sentiments to the Airmen of the 586th AEG.

"Thank you for doing a superb job, for going out and putting your lives on the line day in and day out," Colonel Bielby said. "Your skills and positive attitude are superb ... you did not let me down."

The mission of the 586th AEG, which encompasses base defense, line-haul convoy operations, movement control and other defense measures, is a unique one which synchronizes and integrates with joint service missions and requires close communication with the Army. Colonel Torrens addressed the distinctiveness of the group, its mission and its new commander during the event.

"The ceremony today involves a group that is truly unique in the annals of Air Force history," Colonel Torrens said. "From perimeter security operations, to military working dog units and combat truckers at Camp Arifjan, this group of warriors gets after it like no other. Colonel Metzler is a warrior through and through. He's the right man to be guarding our lives with the 586th AEG."

As the new commander in charge of the 586th AEG, Colonel Metzler is responsible for providing combat Airmen for various security and combat support requirements in southern Iraq and the surrounding area.

A career Security Forces officer, Colonel Metzler served in his last assignment as the director for Outreach on the National Security Council in the Executive Office of the President. There he assisted the National Security Advisor and Counselor to the President in advancing U.S. policies and objectives in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Global War on Terrorism.

The importance of the mission of the 586th AEG, which involves an expanding purpose of combat synchronization and operations, is not lost on its newest commander.

"The more than 1,000 Airmen in this group are making a positive different in its fight," said Colonel Metzler. "We a relieving [operation] tempo pressures in the Army, and at the same time we are continuing to further transform the way the Air Force contributes to an irregular warfare campaign.

"I am committed to continuing the tradition of excellence you've established, and to sustaining our vital contributions to this campaign," Colonel Metzler said.

Colonel Metzler comes to the 586th AEG after an assignment in Washington, D.C. Colonel Bielby, an officer in the Air Force Reserve, will return to Langley Air Force Base, Va.