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EMXG Gets New Commander

  • Published
  • By SSgt Kevin Tomko
  • 455 AEW/PA
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN --  
The 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group welcomed a new commander during a change-of-command ceremony held here Jan. 21.

Brigadier Gen. Christopher Miller presided over the ceremony in which Col. Frank Stokes took command from Col. Carl Bess. The ceremony used an F-15 Strike Eagle as a backdrop.

"This is a big deal," said General Miller. "We're standing in the presence of one of our nation's most sophisticated aircraft, on a ramp built by our nation 7,000 miles from the United States, and we're engaged in daily hostilities against a motivated enemy."

During the ceremony, the general recognized the impact the maintainers have made on the mission in Afghanistan.

"Those of you who have been here the past four months have put planes in the air--all day, every day--in a complex environment," he said.

During his tenure, which began in Sept. 2006, Colonel Bess made sure the A-10s at Bagram were mission ready. He was also instrumental in the changeover from the A-10 to the F-15 Strike Eagle.

"To the men and women of the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, I'm humbled by your professionalism and volunteerism. You are true patriots," said Colonel Bess.

Colonel Bess will return home to the Virginia Air National Guard.

Colonel Stokes, the Maintenance Group Commander at the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth, Minn., is a command pilot with more than 3,200 flying hours, of which 1,160 are as an instructor pilot in the F-15 and F-16.

He outlined three priorities for his group:

"Do the job right and with integrity," said the colonel. "Because you're not at home with normal procedures and safety nets, you need to follow the rule book.

"Work hard and get the mission accomplished. When you run into obstacles, step back and kick them over.

"Be safe. I want every one here to return to your loved ones and families."

Colonel Stokes' past assignments include Vice Wing Commander and 179th Fighter Squadron Commander, both at Duluth, Minn.