Iceman Team welcomes new wing commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. William Farrow
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The Iceman Team welcomed Brig. Gen. Mark Graper as he assumed command of the 354th Fighter Wing in a change of command ceremony Aug. 22 in the Thunderdome.

General Graper took over from Brig. Gen Dave Scott, who ended a 19 month tour here as commander. General Scott will serve next as Deputy Commander, Combined Air Operations Center 7, Component Command-Air Izmir, Allied Command Operations (NATO), Larissa, Greece.

"The Wing has a well-earned reputation for excellence, both here in Alaska and deployed in harms way," said the new commander during his inaugural speech. "I'm proud to be joining the Iceman Team; I look forward to serving with you as we continue to transition our mission, mature Red Flag-Alaska, work closely with our Army and National Guard teammates, and pursue total-force initiatives."

As commander of the 354th FW, General Graper is responsible for providing tactical air control and combat support forces to combatant commanders in support of U.S. national security objectives and ensuring 18th Aggressor Squadron training and operations to provide realistic combat adversary training in air, space and information operations.

The wing also hosts two tenant units, which include the Pacific Air Forces' premier national and multinational large force training exercise RED FLAG-Alaska, held up to four times annually, and Air Education and Training Command's Arctic Survival School.

General Graper was commissioned in 1980 following graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has commanded at the squadron, group and wing levels. The general served as an air liaison officer with the Egyptian Ranger 999 Brigade during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The general is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours in the F-4E, F-16, F-15E, T-38 and T-6.

Before coming to Eielson, General Graper was Director, Standing Joint Force Headquarters - North, Headquarters U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

His major awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster,
Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal,
Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait)