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 commander assumes command of 'Gateway to Victory'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Colonel Cameron Torrens assumed command of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing from Col. Robert Swisher during a change of command ceremony here July 6, 2008.

Lieutenant Gen. Gary North, the commander of Ninth Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central presided over the ceremony. Nearly 500 distinguished visitors, U.S. and coalition forces and Airmen from the wing's six groups were in attendance.

Colonel Torrens comes in from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where he was the vice commander of the 86th Airlift Wing supporting the commander of a wing composed of four groups and 16 squadrons, whose primary mission is to conduct airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation operations.

"Today, we're gathered to honor Colonel 'Swish' Swisher for his leadership over the past year and to welcome Colonel 'Cam' Torrens as he prepares to carry the standard of the 386th to the next level as your commander," said General North during the change of command ceremony.

"Now it is with good reason that these two Airmen here today have been selected to command," said General North. "Both are exceptional leaders, both have proven long histories of officership, of leadership, in both operational and tactical prowess and is with great respect for both of them and an honor to come here and officiate in the change of command for these two joint warriors."

Prior to General North taking and handing off the guide-on and command of the 386th from Colonel Swisher to Colonel Torrens, the general spoke about the great relations between the host nation government, U.S. and coalition partners, and spoke highly of Colonel Swisher's leadership and the countless mission success stories the Airmen under his command achieved since he took command in July 2007.

"As I look out at a warm group of faces, it's a great honor [to have known you all]," said Colonel Swisher. "This has been a marvelous year for me and this position is a great opportunity to meet great Airmen."

Before relinquishing his command, Colonel Swisher praised his vice commander, Col. Brian O'Connor, his six group commanders, and his command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Carl Hunsinger who is retiring after 30 years of service.

"Thank you for giving me such a warm welcome and I look forward to serving you," said Colonel Torrens.

"I'm honored to be here, not just for the opportunity to lead these combat Airmen of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing as you have done so well," said Colonel Torrens. "My intent is to focus on the missions at hand and you Airmen that are getting it done."

The new 386th AEW commander said the Airmen under Colonel Swisher's command have already proven incredibly effective. He told the Airmen now under his command that they can be sure that if the wing can be more effective, that will be an area of interest for him as well as maintaining or increasing that effectiveness while doing things smarter.

"Our goals and those of our allies and sister services are common. Therefore, you can be sure that our relationships with our allies and sister services ought to be of the highest priority," said Colonel Torrens.

The Colonel told his Airmen, "I expect you to uphold your reputation as the workhorse of the war. Know your stuff! Get out front and deliver!"

Colonel Swisher has been selected for re-assignment as the Defense and Air Attaché Designate to Honduras.