86th AW welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hailey Haux
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Airmen of the 86th Airlift Wing welcomed a new commander during the change of command ceremony here June 10.

Brig. Gen. Patrick X. Mordente assumed command from Brig. Gen. C. K. Hyde in the dual bay hangar while Lt. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, 3rd Air Force commander, officiated the ceremony.

"The Airmen who are going to be under your command here in a few minutes are not only our greatest assets, but they are the heart and soul of USAFE and AFAFRICA," said Franklin. "They are the future of the greatest Air Force in the world."

Upon assuming command of the 86th AW, Mordente will be responsible for of six groups, 28 squadrons and three different bases in Germany, Spain and Belgium.

"I look forward to building upon the many achievements that the 86th Airlift Wing is known for ... I can assure you that our purpose and our efforts at Ramstein will continue to remain on speed and on course," said Mordente. "We will focus on our people and our mission. We will continue to produce the combat delivery, mobility, contingency response, and cyber capabilities upon which our nation and allies depend."

Before becoming commander of the 86th AW, Mordente served as deputy director of operations and plans for U.S. Transcom at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where he was responsible for the planning, coordinating and monitoring of global air, land and sea transportation provided by the command's three components: Air Mobility Command, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command and Military Sealift Command.

During his last assignment to Ramstein AB, Mordente served as an instructor pilot and squadron training officer where he participated in Operations Provide Promise, Provide Comfort and Provide Transition.