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Warriors of the North receive new wing commander

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. David Dobrydney
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The 319th Air Base Wing held a change of command here July 1, 2015.

More than 250 Airmen, family members and community leaders witnessed Col. Paul Bauman relinquish command to Col. Rodney Lewis.

Overseeing the change of command was Maj. Gen. Frederick H. Martin, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Commander.

Of the two officers seated next to him on the stage Martin said, "they are entrusted with our most important weapons system; our people, our Airmen."

Martin continued by extolling the many accomplishments the 319th ABW achieved under Bauman's tenure, especially the recently signed Enhanced Use Lease agreement with the local community. Further, Martin noted the support the base provides to five separate combatant commands.

"Operationally, the 319th is in the fight every minute of every day, and they do it with tremendous teamwork."

"It's an honor to stand on this stage with these two fine leaders," Martin concluded.
Bauman, recently selected for promotion to the rank of brigadier general, will be assuming the position of the deputy director for future joint force development, J-7 joint staff, in Suffolk, Va.

After receiving the Legion of Merit from General Martin, Bauman made some farewell remarks, thanking the Airmen who made his job at Grand Forks easier and offering one final task.

"Never stop leading, and never stop innovating," he said, "continue to challenge yourselves."

Lewis came to the 319th ABW from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

"This is a very special day," Lewis said after receiving the guidon and officially assuming command of the wing. He went on to say that the Air Force is about relationships and that the relationship the gathered Airmen build today will carry them into the future.

"I will do my best to serve you," he said, "and I think that will show in the coming days."