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"Welcome to the Fight"

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Richard Williams
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan --  455th Air Expeditionary Wing Airmen welcomed their new commander during a formal change of command ceremony here, April 23, 2010.

Col. Jack L. Briggs II, previously assigned as the Director of Inspections for the Office of United States Air Force Inspector General, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., assumed command from Brig. Gen. Steven L. Kwast.

"Jack, welcome to the fight," said Lt. Gen. Mike Hostage III, U.S. Air Forces Central Command commander and officiating officer. "I know you understand the 455th Wing's importance to the mission here in Afghanistan. This wing is a fearsome weapon for victory and I will offer you my full support as you wield it. You are the right person for the job. Lead these Airmen well."

Colonel Briggs said, "I take on the challenge of this command to advance the mission, focus on the welfare of those I lead, and be a good steward for the resources you provide me. Sir, you and those I work with will get my very best every day."

General Kwast expressed his confidence in Colonel Briggs by saying,"I hand this mantle of leadership and this deep pride of being your commander and your servant, I hand it to a man of great strength and courage. Colonel Briggs will take you to the next level."

Colonel Briggs explained the 455th's mission is to use air power and more importantly the power of Airmen to bring victory and stability to this fight.

"We are here at a remarkable time in the history of Afghanistan, the region and our own nation," he said. "You have been selected to be here to make a difference on the way to victory. You are the key to success and I have high expectations for your continued performance.

"Each of you is critical to our overall success and I will hold you to the high standards you have already set," he added. "The challenges are great, but so are you. The victory we must achieve means we need everyone's best."

General Kwast's next assignment is Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs for Europe, NATO and Russia, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, DC.