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386th Air Expeditionary Wing changes command

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Allison Day
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Col. Jason Hanover took command of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing from Col. John Klein yesterday in a change of command ceremony at the Rock Theater.

Hanover assumed command after serving as the military assistant to the commander, NATO Special Operations Headquarters, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Belgium. Klein, the commander since June 2013, will become the division chief of mobility requirements at the Pentagon in Washington, District of Columbia.

Brig. Gen. Timothy Frye, director of Air Mobility Forces, presided over the ceremony. Frye lauded Klein's accomplishments in strengthening alliances and invigorating partnerships.

"The success of the 386th AEW is a testament to your leadership. You have commanded one of Air Forces Central command's busiest wings and are responsible for units in six geographically separated areas," said Frye. "You have been an exceptionally strong driving force behind the success of this wing, which conducts a wide variety of missions with precision and world-class style."

Frye then presented Klein with a Bronze Star Medal. Before departing, Klein thanked the men and women of the wing.

"Thank you. I feel nothing short of blessed to have had this opportunity to command the 386th," said Klein. "I've had the best job in the U.S. Air Force and I am thankful for it."

Klein stressed that what has influenced and shaped him the most has been the Airmen - the best in the world.

"Let me simply say, that I'm not leaving the rock, I'm taking it with me because of our Airmen. I am returning a better version of myself because of our Airmen and what they have done over this past year," said Klein. "There hasn't been a day in the past 360 days where I didn't learn something new or when I wasn't absolutely amazed by all you do for our nation. It has been my honor to be your commander."

Frye welcomed Hanover by saying why he was selected for the position.

"It is appropriate for Jason to become the commander of the 386th. He brings to this position combat experience gained as an aviator with 450 combat hours flown during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom," said Frye. "Jason, thank for taking on this vitally important assignment."

In accepting the flag of the 386th AEW, Hanover compared it to receiving a well-tuned car with a full tank of gas. Hanover thanked Klein for the work he has done this past year as commander and the creation of a rock solid foundation that will support years of excellence. He also thanked the men and women of the 386th.

"Men and women of the 386th, all the hard work you have done over the past year to reenergize processes and improve facilities has led to this point," said Hanover. "This region is complex and fluid. Our job, however, has become simpler. Everything you've accomplished over the last year allows us to focus forward and execute the priorities of the commander of Air Forces Central."

Hanover ended his speech with an anecdote of one of America's greatest generals, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower.

"The eyes of the world are upon you," Eisenhower said when he addressed his troops before the D-Day invasion. "The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you." That was seventy years ago, almost to the day.

"What he said then is applicable to you today," said Hanover. "How we as a nation and we as a wing handle our situation ... can define our generation. I am honored to serve all of you as your commander."