An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

755th Air Expeditionary Group receives new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Craig Seals
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  Col. Fred Fairhurst took charge of the 755th Air Expeditionary Group during a change-of-command ceremony in the A-10 fuel cell hangar  June 11 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

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

General Hyatt praised Col. Walter for her group's ability to track and maintain the locations of the 455th AEW's "outside the wire" Airmen.

"They are taking care of Airmen who are taking care of the mission," said the general. "We appreciate what you've done and what a great impact you've had here."

After the general's comments, Col. Walter had a few words of thanks. During her remarks, the colonel reflected on her deployment here and the opportunities her command had presented her with.

"Most of the 755th Airmen are non-traditional battlefield Airmen because they work outside the wire," Col. Walter said. "They serve six months to one year tours with additional months of Army training. The sacrifices they've made are commendable."

Col. Walter praised the incoming commander, Col. Fairhurst, for his flexibility due to only having two weeks notice for his deployment.

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

Following the passing of the guidon and the announcement of the new 755th commander, Col. Fairhurst had a few words regarding his plan ahead.

"I plan to continue the legacy [Col. Walter] has established," said Col. Fairhurst. "Someday, as grandparents, you will bounce your grandchildren on your knee and tell them you had a positive impact on another culture. There aren't many people who can say that."

The change of command, 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.