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Expeditionary Mission Support Group changes hands

  • Published
  • By Capt. Korry Leverett
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group welcomed their new commander during a formal change of command ceremony here, July 10.

Col. Erik Rundquist, who was previously assigned to the Pentagon as the Anti-terrorism Program Manager, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and America's Security Affairs, assumed command of the group from Col. Jeffrey Hunt, outgoing 455 EMSG commander.

Brig. Gen. Darryl Roberson, 455 Air Expeditionary Wing commander, officiated the ceremony and welcomed Colonel Rundquist to Bagram.

"Today we change leadership in the most diverse group we have in our wing ... it's also the group with the most airmen, over 1,500," Roberson said. "This group does the most everyday to support the fight and the most to take care of all of our airmen."

He continued by stating that today we turn to another superstar. Colonel Runquist is clearly the right choice to take on this tip of the spear mission.

Before officiating the change of command Roberson noted the previous group's exceptional performance and highlighted a few of their major achievements.

"With Colonel Jeff Hunt at the helm for the last year, this group has set new standards and achieved remarkable awards," he said. "Everything from the Air Force level Verne Orr award for the 455the Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron, to the Air Force Central Command Security Forces award for the outstanding large unit, Colonel Hunt gets the job done right."

Hunt addressed his group for the last time by saying thank you to his team and all those who supported him.

"My comments are simply a series of thank-yous," he said. "I am very humbled and thankful for the tremendous warriors of all services that I've had the opportunity to work with during my time here."

He closed by leaving a message of encouragement to Lundquist ... as you take command you have to be strong, stay focused and you will succeed.