455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group receives new commander

Col. John Theisen (middle), 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander, accepts the 455th EMXG guidon from Brig. Gen. Bill Hyatt (left), 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander during a change of command ceremony May 16. Col. Frank Stokes (right) relinquished command of the group to Col. Theisen during the ceremony. (photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group receives new commander

Col. John Theisen, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander, addresses attendees at the 455th EMXG change of command ceremony May 16. Col. Theisen received command of the group from Col. Frank Stokes while Brig. Gen. Bill Hyatt, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, presided over the ceremony. (photo by Staff Sgt. Craig Seals)

455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group receives new commander

Published May 19, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Craig Seals
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Col. John Theisen took charge of the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group during a change-of-command ceremony here May 16.

Brig. Gen. Bill Hyatt, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, presided over the ceremony in which Col. Theisen took the reins of the 455th EMXG from Col. Frank Stokes.

General Hyatt praised the men and women of the 455th EMXG for the work they do in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Col. Theisen expressed confidence that the group will continue to achieve the same results as under Col. Stokes' command. Keeping the close air support dual-aircraft mission of the A-10s and F-15s flying as well as the airdrop capability of the C-130s was top priority.

The outgoing group commander, Col. Stokes, was honored with the Afghanistan Campaign medal, presented to him by Gen. Hyatt.

Col. Stokes' words to the Airmen of the 455th EMXG was to continue their outstanding performance for Col. Theisen as they did for him.

A time-honored military tradition, the change of command 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.