Iceman Team receives new commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Perras
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Members of the 354th Fighter Wing gathered to witness the passing of the wing guidon, emblematic of the transfer of leadership from Brig. Gen. James Post III to Brig. Gen. Mark Kelly during the Wing's change of command ceremony at the Thunderdome here July 13.

Lt. Gen. Stephen Hoog, Alaskan Command and 11th Air Force commander and presiding officer of the ceremony, spoke of Post's accomplishments as commander of the 354th FW, attributing the success of eight Red Flag exercises to Post's leadership.

"You ... have built a team here at Eielson that is second to none and has remained ready to go at 50 below," said Hoog. "Bull [Gen. Post], thank you for a job well done."

Post was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptional meritorious conduct and performance of outstanding services while commander of the 354th FW. Upon receiving his award, Post addressed the Iceman Team one final time.

"When I look around here today, some would say it is bittersweet - but for me, there's nothing sweet about it. To say goodbye today brings to close a chapter of my Air Force career - my life - that I always remember for nothing but the good reasons," said Post. "Words fall short of expressing how fond, and how proud and honored I felt to have had this opportunity."

Before relinquishing command to Kelly, Post expressed his pride in leaving the 354th FW in the hands of a capable commander.

"It's a special day because I'm able to turn the reins of command of the 354th Fighter Wing - what I believe to be the greatest wing in the world - over to an outstanding leader," Post said of Kelly. "Brig. Gen. Kelly - standing in front of you is an extraordinary team. Airmen, one and all, they will not disappoint, and your leadership will undoubtedly take them to the next level of readiness and capability."

Upon receiving command of the wing, Kelly stated his plan to maintain the standards set by Post.

"I promise you that the wing won't lose any of its mission focus, and I promise you that it won't lose any of the love for its Airmen and their families," Kelly said.

The new commander commented on his admiration of and willingness to be part of the 354th FW, saying how Eielson's location makes its Airmen an asset to the Pacific forces.

"Having spent the past few years at Pacific command, I've watched the Iceman Team perform from afar," he said. "Your accomplishments are even more impressive given the challenging Alaska climate you operate in ... and now I'm lucky enough to be a part of the Airmen here who lead this great wing."

Kelly takes command of the 354th FW after serving as Chief of Staff, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.