Change of Command at Bagram

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Brig. Gen. Patrick Malackowski became the commander of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, during a change-of-command ceremony, according to a base release. Malackowski took the command reins on July 8 from Brig. Gen. Joseph Guastella, who held the post since July 2012 and is moving on to become the Joint Staff’s deputy director for requirements at the Pentagon. Maj. Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, top Air Force officer in Afghanistan, officiated the ceremony, states the July 8 release. In his new role, Malackowski will be responsible for executing the close air support; air mobility; combat search and rescue; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and electronic attack operations from the major US air hub. In his previous job, Malackowski was Pacific Air Forces’ director of programs and analyses at JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. (Bagram report by TSgt. Rob Hazelett)

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org