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Deale assumes command of 455th AEW

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vernon Cunningham
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  Airmen of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, March 1, 2012.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Deale, previously assigned as commander of the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, assumed command from Maj. Gen. Darryl Roberson.

Maj. Gen. Tod Wolters, 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force-Afghanistan commander, presided over the ceremony.

"He possesses a unique combination of A-10 technical expertise and unmatched interpersonal skills," said Wolters. "We are absolutely convinced that this is the right time, the right place, and the right setting for Brigadier General Thomas Deale to take the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing to new heights."

Wolters further emphasized how Deale's new mission was well matched by addressing how the A-10 Thunderbolt is the number one weapon in the air domain of Regional Command-East and Deale has piloted an A-10, commanded an A-10 war-fighting operations group, and commanded two A-10 war-fighting operational wings.

"Brigadier General Deale will be a leader, from the front, with an unmatched degree of lethality that will render the educated enemy hopeless," he said.

Deale accepted command of the 455th AEW and rendered his first salute to a formation of Airmen who represented the wing.

During his remarks he thanked Wolters for the continued trust and confidence. He also thanked Roberson for his leadership and personal sacrifices while leading the 455th AEW to the forefront of the Air Force. He also thanked the Coalition, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and joint service partners.

"Being selected to command in the United States Air Force is truly an honor," said Deale. "There is no higher calling, no higher privilege for an Airman than to command in combat. And to be called upon to do it twice is an even rarer privilege, and an opportunity that I am honored to have."

He also acknowledged the proud heritage of the 455th AEW and thanked the men and women of the wing for their service. In addition, he spoke about how the wing will continue, together, to develop as Airmen, professionals and warriors as critical airpower is delivered in support of the coalition team.

"Always remember why we are here," said Deale. "To support our coalition and NATO forces in combat operations, to help develop the Afghan National Security Forces, and ultimately for our coalition to transition security responsibility to the Afghan Government. Ultimately, their success is our success."

Roberson's next assignment is Director, Strategic Planning, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, DC.