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Operations group welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Vincent Borden
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Col. David Miller assumed command of the 386th Expeditionary Operations Group from Col. Gary Goldstone during a change of command ceremony here July 8, to the welcoming applause of Airmen from the group and U.S. and coalition forces.

Col. Cameron Torrens, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, presided over the ceremony.

"Today is a good day," Colonel Torrens said during the change-of-command ceremony. "First, it gives us a chance to recognize [the 386th EOG's] performance over the past year. And finally, I get to introduce you to a fantastic leader ... who was specifically chosen to come out and lead these Airmen."

Colonel Torrens praised Colonel Goldstone's accomplishments during his tenure with the 386th EOG, which included the integration of a C-17 detachment and its operations into the 386th EOG mission and the group's reception of the Air Combat Command 2008 David C. Shilling award. The group also achieved a mission effectiveness rate of 97 percent, an unprecedented feat.

"It's obvious to all why [Colonel Goldstone] has been selected to command one of Air Mobility Command's premier wings next year," said Colonel Torrens.

Colonel Goldstone was awarded the Bronze Star for his efforts.

"There is no doubt in my mind that a commander succeeds because of the unit and its people," Colonel Goldstone said before relinquishing command of the group. "The men and women of the 386th EOG have set a new standard for mission execution, espirit de corps and camaraderie. I admire [them] and their families for the sacrifices they've made."

Colonel Miller also praised the efforts of the Airmen of the 386th EOG after receiving command of the group.

"It's the highest honor I can think of to serve alongside you," Colonel Miller said. "As I consider, hear and learn what you do day in and day out, and for many of you year after year, all I can say is I'm inspired.

"I will do everything in my power to ensure you succeed in your mission," he added.

As the new commander in charge of the 386th EOG, Colonel Miller is responsible for the execution of tactical airlift operations and electronic combat attack throughout U.S. Central Command. The group commander is no stranger to the U.S. CENTCOM area of responsibility and its high operations tempo; this is his fourth deployment. His final words to the Airmen of the group reflected that.

"As much as I would like to tell you to take a day off and a well-earned break, as I've learned so well in my short time here on base, ops never stops. Never. So let's get back to it."

Colonel Miller comes to the 386th EOG after an assignment at U.S. Joint Forces Command in Suffolk, Va. Colonel Goldstone was selected for reassignment as the commander of the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.