Group commander returns after relinquishing command at deployed unit

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  For almost five months, one of Tyndall's commanders led approximately 180 Airmen assigned to the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

During a change of command ceremony Jan. 11 at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Col. Marc Luiken relinquished command to Col. Michael McMillie, from the West Virginia Air National Guard, after heading the 449th AEG since September 2006.

The mission of the CJTF-HOA, a U.S. Central Command unit, is to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism. More than 1,500 people from each branch of the U.S. military, civilian employees, coalition forces and Partner nations make up the organization. The area of responsibility for CJTF-HOA includes the countries of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

"The CJTF-HOA mission cannot succeed without the flexibility and agility U.S. airpower contributes everyday through vital airlift operations, and logistic support," said Colonel Luiken. "I'm proud to have served with all the incredible Airmen assigned to the Horn of Africa."

The 449th AEG is specifically charged with providing airpower to CJTF-HOA's mission through airlift support, air medical evacuations and air refueling. The group also advises the commander of CJTF-HOA on air, space and cyberspace capabilities. The group is also home to the Horn of Africa's only pararesuemen.

"Colonel Luiken is a true Air Expeditionary Force warrior and we are proud that our group commander deployed to support a vital CENTAF mission," said Lt. Col. Alan Lake, 325th MSG deputy commander.

Members of the 325th MSG gave Colonel Luiken a hero's welcome back to their group commander at the Panama City Airport Jan. 13.

(Editor's note: Information in this article was provided by CJTF-HOA Public Affairs)