Icemen welcome new wing commander

Published Feb. 17, 2010
By Capt. Frank Hartnett
354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- "Who is this new guy, and what is he all about?"

The 354th Fighter Wing's new wing commander said what was on everyone's mind at the wing change of command ceremony on Friday, February 12.

Col. James N. Post III took command from Brig. Gen. Mark W. Graper who has been assigned as Vice Commander, 9th Air Expeditionary Task Force at Shaw AFB, S.C.

The ceremony officiated by Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, 11th Air Force commander, took place at the Thunderdome, a hangar at Eielson that has also hosted two presidential visits.

Lt. Gen. Atkins thanked Brig. Gen. Graper for his dedicated service to the 354th Fighter wing while the wing adjusted to BRAC-mandated mission changes. He also spoke about the great trust he had for Col. Post, first as a squadron commander at Shaw AFB, S.C. and now as Eielson's newest wing commander.

In his first speech to the wing, Colonel Post explained that he is driven by the Air Force core values. He also challenged the wing to be the experts in their respective fields and with upcoming inspections that the wing cannot leave success to chance.

The Colonel arrives to Eielson from Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. where he served as the director for plans and requirements at 12th Air Force. He has commanded as the squadron level and wing level. He is a command pilot with more than 4,400 flying hours including 280 combat hours.