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Commander bids Wing farewell, God speed

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. James Hyatt
  • 455 Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan --  To the men and women of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing: it has been an honor and a privilege to have served with each of you. 

This wing has been tasked with a daunting mission - to work as part of a coalition to bring stability through security, governance, and reconstruction to Afghanistan. What you and your predecessors have been able to accomplish in the last year is nothing short of phenomenal. You have strived and surpassed my expectations with the outstanding accomplishments you perform daily. 

Our fighter aircrew have flown more than 10,000 combat sorties (more than 23,000 hours) and expended more than 1,000 tons and 200,000 rounds. Our tactical airlift crews delivered more than 16,000 tons of cargo, executed more than 400 airdrops, transported 43,000 passengers, and air evacuated more than 1,800 patients. None of this would be possible without the maintenance professionals who produce incredible results despite the adverse operating environment and logistical challenges they face. 

Our mission support Airmen have provided critical command and control for combat sorties through the Joint Radio Relay program, and delivered nearly 40 million gallons of fuel supporting thousands of operational missions. Security forces personnel completed more than 800 C-130 fly away security missions throughout the theater, while Services improved Airman quality of life through numerous morale events and the wing's movement into new living quarters. 

Our medical personnel continue to do the impossible treating nearly 30,000 outpatients, 1,500 inpatients, and more than 250 military working dogs through nearly 2,000 surgeries, 30,000-plus pharmacy prescriptions, 50,000 lab tests and more than 18,000 radiology procedures. 

More than 1,250 Airmen are working directly with the Army in different capacities to include supporting six Provincial Reconstruction Teams who facilitate governance, construction and humanitarian projects in 12 provinces. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams have made the Afghans lives safer by disposing of 15,000 pounds of explosives. 

The wing also stood up the first MQ-9 Reaper Expeditionary Attack Squadron, bringing a new capability to the joint force commander in the theater. The squadron executed more than 100 sorties, flying more than 900 combat support hours to provide time sensitive air coverage to troops in contact with the enemy. 

Though there are many challenges ahead of us, you have brought this wing to a whole new level. I leave on March 10th with an abundance of pride, and confident in the skilled leadership of Brig Gen Mike Holmes and the abilities of the men and women of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing to continue "Fighting Terror and Building Peace" for the people of Afghanistan. 

You have often heard me say, "Leadership is a contact sport," I ask you to continue the great work you are doing touching not only the lives of our Airmen throughout Afghanistan, but also the lives of the Afghan people. 

You have been asked to sacrifice a lot - to be away from your family and friends, and to go into harm's way. Thanks for all you do in serving our great Nation and the United States Air Force. I am honored and humbled to have served with each and every one of you. Continue to remain vigilant and God speed!