451st Air Expeditionary Group changes command

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Campbell (right) passes the 451st Air Expeditionary Group guidon to Brig. Gen. Mark Kelly, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, to relinquish command during a change of command ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Aug. 18, 2014. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez/Released)

451st Air Expeditionary Group changes command

U.S. Airmen from the 451st Air Expeditionary Group listen to their new commander during a change of command ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Aug. 18, 2014. Airmen across the group attended the ceremony to welcome Col. Rhude Cherry III as their new commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez/Released)

451st Air Expeditionary Group changes command

U.S. Airmen from the 451st Air Expeditionary Group Honor Guard present the colors during the 451 AEG change of command ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan Aug. 18, 2014. Airmen across the group attended the ceremony to welcome Col. Rhude Cherry III as their new commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez/Released)

451st Air Expeditionary Group changes command

Published Aug. 18, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez
455th Air Expeditionary Wing

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- U.S. Air Force Col. Rhude Cherry III assumed command of the 451st Expeditionary Group from Col. Scott Campbell during a change of command ceremony here, Aug. 18, 2014.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark Kelly, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, presided over the ceremony, commended Campbell's accomplishments and welcomed Cherry to the group before the passing of command.

"Col. Scott Campbell led this group and never really needed me," said Brig. Gen. Kelly. "He handled every mission and personnel resource challenge that was within his control. He did a great job and has much to be proud of. And, as he heads back, Col. Cherry takes over the 451st. Cherry has commanded at multiple levels and knows the close air support and expeditionary business. I plan on staying out of his way so he can lead this AEG during a pivotal time in Afghanistan."

Cherry is an MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot. He commanded the Joint Planning Support element with U.S. Transportation Command in Norfolk, Virginia. Cherry, a command pilot, has accumulated over 2,300 flying hours in fighters and trainers including T-38s, F-16s and MQ-9s
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After the guidon was passed, Cherry talked about the importance of the mission and staying focused, ready and balanced while deployed. He also thanked leadership for the opportunity to lead the group.

"Thank you for having faith in me and bringing me on board," said Cherry. "I look forward to the job and I will work hard to not let you down. I am excited and humbled to be chosen, and I want to thank Col. Campbell for setting me up for success and leading the team."