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.

455th Expeditionary Operations Group changes command

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Richard Williams
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  455th Expeditionary Operations Group Airmen welcomed their new commander during a formal change of command ceremony here, June 8, 2010

Col. Scott C. Long, previously assigned as the Director of Operations for Alaskan Command and Joint Task Force-Alaska Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, assumed command from Col. Patrick T. McKenzie.

"Chemo, welcome to the greatest adventure of your career," said Col. Jack Briggs II 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, commander and officiating officer. "You are qualified and ready for this job and it is with great confidence that we hand it to you. Colonel McKenzie has built you a capable and motivated team. You are taking over at a critical time and your efforts in this group will help decide the outcome of this war. "

"Colonel Briggs, thank you for this amazing opportunity," Colonel Long said. "It is a complete honor and privilege to serve and command in combat, especially beside you and team Bagram."

Colonel McKenzie expressed his confidence in Colonel Long by saying, "Colonel Long, I wish you all the success in the world. You are the perfect guy to write the next chapter for the 455th EOG. This will be the most challenging and rewarding year you will ever see. Cherish your time, as your year will go by fast."

Colonel Long explained, "Vultures, we are going to continue to defend Bagram with vigilance and we are going to supply the fight for the folks out there that need us and we are going to win, and we are going to win big.

"We are going to leverage the amazing power that our Airmen represent," he said. "I don't care what you do, you are part of this fight and I am privileged and honored to be able to command and help lead this team."

Colonel McKenzie's next assignment is Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison Weapons Directorate, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.