Change of command

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan - Members of the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group salute during the singing of the National Anthem during the group's change of command ceremony here, Dec. 5, 2007. Command of the group changed hands from Col. Eric Nelson to Col. Arthur McGettrick. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Jasper)

Change of command

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan - 455th Air Expeditionary Wing leaders stand at attention during a formal change of command ceremony here, Dec. 5, 2007. Command of the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group changed hands from Col. Eric Nelson to Col. Arthur McGettrick. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Jasper)

Bagram Airmen welcome new Ops Group commander

Published Dec. 5, 2007
By Capt. Michael Meridith
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan -- Command of the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group changed hands from Col. Eric Nelson to Col. Arthur McGettrick during a formal ceremony in the shadow of an F-15E Strike Eagle, Dec. 5.

During Colonel Nelson's six months commanding the 455 EOG, he led more than 600 Airmen and civilians in providing airlift, combat, and aeromedical evacuation operations in support of Coalition forces throughout Afghanistan. He returns to Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., where he is the 4th Operations Group commander.

"You've done great work and a great job. I owe you a debt of gratitude," said Brig. Gen. Bill Hyatt, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, who presided over the ceremony.

Colonel McGettrick arrives here from duties as commander of the 48th Operations Group at RAF Lakenheath, U.K., and has more than 2,500 flying hours including more than 200 combat hours supporting Operations Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Northern Watch and Southern Watch.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be commander of the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group," said Colonel McGettrick to members of his new group, standing in formation during the ceremony. "Together we can safely accomplish the 455th wing's vital mission. We can overcome any challenge."