Assumption of command

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Col. Steven Kwast (left), 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, hands the guidon to Col. James Meersman, who takes command of the 755th Air Expeditionary Group during an assumption of command ceremony, here July 6. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)

Meersman new shepherd

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Col. James Meersman captures the audience's attention during an assumption of command ceremony. Col. Meersman is the new commander of the 755th Air Expeditionary Group and is tasked to provide operational and administrative control of more than 1,600 Joint Expeditionary Airmen at more than 40 locations across Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)

Col. Meersman new shepherd of 755th AEG

Published July 8, 2009
By Tech. Sgt. John Jung
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- The 755th Air Expeditionary Group's motto in Latin is "Ne Tradate Ovis" -- Protect the flock. On July 6, the 755th AEG's new shepherd took command of the flock.

Colonel James Meersman arrives to command the 755th AEG from the Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvior, Va.

In a brief speech, Col. Steven Kwast, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander challenged Col. Meersman with a difficult but rare opportunity to lead while under fire. "The 755th is truly at the center of gravity in victory in this conflict. Colonel Meersman, you take on the care of a group of Airmen that are fighting for the hearts and souls of the Afghan people. It is very unusual and extraordinary to take command in combat...you can count on very few digits how many people get to take command in combat and to lead at your level at the tip of the sword."

After the execution of the assumption of command order, Col. Meersman made his brief remarks. "I'm really humbled to take the [755th AEG] guidon. I personally want to thank each of you and your families for the sacrifices you are making as JET [Joint Expeditionary Tasking] Airmen because this is not easy. You are all heroes in your own right," said Col. Meersman of the men and women now under his command.

The 755th AEG provides operational and administrative control of more than 1,600 Airmen at more than 40 locations across Afghanistan.

The unit's mission is to provide supervision and operational direction to all Airmen assigned to Army or Joint organizations through Joint Expeditionary Taskings. Additionally, the group supports International Security Assistance Force operations with essential resources to strengthen security and build a solid infrastructure for Afghanistan.

The 755th AEG is comprised of Airmen from more than 130 Air Force Specialty Codes including security forces, explosive ordinance disposal, civil engineering, contracting, communications, medical, intelligence, legal and logistics support to train local officials and rebuild the country.

In May 2009, the group added four squadrons to support the growing number of Airmen deploying with Provincial Reconstruction Teams, Embedded Training Teams and Brigade Support Teams.