Photo By Tech. Sgt. Chenzira Mallory | Col. Chris Bargery assumed the role of commander of the 65th Air Base Wing in a change...... read more read more
LAJES FIELD, Portugal - Col. Chris Bargery took command of the 65th Air Base Wing in a change of command ceremony at Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal, July 6.
Bargery arrives here from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where he served as the Chief of Security Forces, Directorate of Logistics, Installations and Support, Headquarters United States Air Forces in Europe.
The men and women of the 65th ABW must remain focused on mission accomplishment and fighting today's fight, said Bargery.
"The airmen that make up this dynamic wing, the United States and our allies, are still engaged in persistent conflict around the world and we will not forget that," said Bargery. "The reputation for excellence in this wing is not confined to this island."
Bargery takes command of the 65th ABW that partners with the Portuguese Air Force to operate Lajes Field, more formally known as Portuguese Air Base 4. Maintaining strong relations with the Portuguese is of the utmost importance, said Bargery.
"Everything we do here as a command team, with our partners, with the local officials here in Terceira and Praia, all of this makes us stronger together. Let there be no doubt about that," said Bargery.
Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, 3rd Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony. He highlighted Lajes Field's proud history with the Portuguese and a bright future for Lajes.
"Lajes has a long history of supporting U.S. operations and we look forward to continuing that history," said Franklin. "I know that under Col. Bargery's command, the 65th Air Base Wing will be ready to meet tomorrow's challenges."
Col. Jose Rivera, the outgoing wing commander, relinquished command before departing to become the deputy director of Cyber Security at the Pentagon. Rivera has commanded the wing since July 2010.
Rivera thanked the men and women of the 65th ABW for their hard work and dedication to service.
"You have shown me what it means to take mission and take people and make both of those things work. We take care of the mission and we take care of our people and you've done that better than any organization in the United States Air Force," said Rivera.
The change of command ceremony was attended by distinguished U.S. and Portuguese military leaders and Azorean civic leaders.
| Date Taken: | 07.06.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.06.2012 12:34 |
| Story ID: | 91192 |
| Location: | LAJES FIELD, AZORES, REGIãO AUTóNOMA DOS AçORES, PT |
| Web Views: | 518 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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