Photo By Chief Master Sgt. Jared Marquis | Col. Jason Hanover, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, and Col. Michael Stohler,...... read more read more
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SOUTHWEST ASIA – Col. Michael Stohler assumed command of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Group during a reactivation ceremony here Nov. 16, 2014.
The 332nd AEG has a storied history and is descended from the 332nd Fighter Group - the famed Tuskegee Airmen, also known as the Red Tails.
This is the second time the 332nd has been activated in Southwest Asia, standing up in 1998 as part of Operation Southern Watch. The unit was last activated as the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and was inactivated on May 8, 2012.
Following the national anthem and posting of the colors, Col. Jason Hanover, 386th AEW commander and presiding official began by thanking those who set up the ceremony, as well as distinguished guests and partners. He then drew attention to two significant events taking place.
“First, we celebrate the return of one of the most historic aerial fighting forces the world has ever seen as we stand up the 332nd Air Expeditionary Group,” Hanover said. “Second, we get to witness Col. Michael Stohler assume command of the Red Tails and write the next storied chapter of this organization.”
The Red Tails stood up 72 years ago to battle a global evil with their coalition partners, Hanover said. From 2000 to 2012, the 332nd AEW, along with our closest coalition forces, play a significant role in defeating a second global evil -- Al Qaeda and the Taliban.
“Today, we once again call on the Red Tails to stand… as our nation’s sword and shield to join a powerful coalition to fight a third global evil,” Hanover said.
Following Hanover’s speech, the 332nd AEG guidon was uncased, unfurled and passed to Stohler signifying the reactivation and his assumption of command.
As the new 332nd AEG commander, Stohler talked about the success of the Red Tails during WWII despite the adversity of the times and how his Airmen would honor their legacy.
“It didn’t matter to them that they were scrutinized, discriminated against, initially operated older aircraft, or flew in the harshest combat missions of the war,” he said. “They knew the importance of their actions, and they adapted and overcame all obstacles to reach mission success. They never faltered, and they never failed.
“As Airmen of the 332nd, through our hard work and dedication, we will carry forward the honor (the Red Tails) deserve by remembering their sacrifices and successes,” said Stohler.
| Date Taken: | 11.16.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.25.2014 08:29 |
| Story ID: | 148760 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 926 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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