755th AEG receives new commander

Col. Thomas Huizenga (right), 755th Air Expeditionary Group commander, accepts the group's guidon from Brig. Gen. Bill Hyatt, 455th Air Expedtionary Wing commander, signifying the change of command for the group in a ceremony August 21 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

755th AEG receives new commander

Lt. Col. Mark Henneke, 755th Air Expeditionary Group vice commander, commands a flight of 755th AEG Airmen at the group's change of command ceremony August 21 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Col. Henneke was replaced by Lt. Col. Marc Piccolo as the group's vice commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

755th AEG receives new commander

Col. Fred Fairhurst, former 755th Air Expeditionary Group commander, gives his final speech to the group as its commander during a change of command ceremony August 21 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Col. Fairhurst praised the group's Airmen for upholding their "unique chain of command." (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

755th Air Expeditionary Group receives new commander

Published Aug. 22, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Craig Seals
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Col. Thomas Huizenga took charge of the 755th Air Expeditionary Group during a change-of-command ceremony in the A-10 fuel cell hangar at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan August 21.

Brig. Gen. Bill Hyatt, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, presided over the ceremony in which Col. Huizenga took the reins of the 755th AEG from Col. Fred Fairhurst.

General Hyatt praised Col. Fairhurst's "fantastic job" of leading the group during his tenure here.

After the general's comments, Col. Fairhurst had a few words of appreciation. During his remarks, the colonel reflected on his Airmen and support staff here.

Col. Fairhurst complemented the Airmen of the 755th AEG for upholding their "unique chain of command."

After the colonel's speech, it was time for the guidon to be ceremoniously passed from Col. Fairhurst to Gen. Hyatt, signifying the relinquishment of command, then from Gen. Hyatt to Col. Huizenga, signifying the acceptance of the new command.

Following the passing of the guidon and the announcement of the new 755th AEG commander, Col. Huizenga had a few words regarding his new command.

"My promise to you is to provide clarity of direction, to set high standards, to lead from the front and share the risk, and to protect and guard you to the utmost of my capability," said Col. Huizenga. "I truly believe it is my job to be your greatest supporter. Demand that of me as you devote your energy toward the safe, ethical performance of your duties."

The change of command ceremony, a time honored tradition, dates back to the 18th century and Frederick the Great of Prussia. The ceremony affords the fighting force the opportunity to witness their new leader assume the position of authority.