435th ABW welcomes new commander

Members of the 435th Air Base Wing came together in Hangar 1 on Ramstein July 1 to welcome their new commander.

***image1***Col. Don “Bits” Bacon assumed command of the 435th ABW at a ceremony that was

officiated by Maj. Gen. Jack Egginton, 3rd Air Force commander. “To take command of five groups and 20 squadrons that amount to more than 7,000 people is a huge responsibility, but there is nobody more capable than Colonel Bacon,” said General Egginton.

“To become a wing commander in the Air Force is what dreams are made of. Many aspire to it, but few achieve it,” said General Egginton. “Colonel Bacon is the perfect fit as commander for this high speed wing.”

In his assumption of command speech, Colonel Bacon explained how his experience leading other Airmen while deployed has helped him gain great respect for the importance of the missions at Ramstein.

“What makes a great coach, ultimately is having a great team,” said Colonel Bacon on taking command of the 435th ABW. “I will do my best to achieve mission excellence and support all Airmen and their families,” he said.

Colonel Bacon was the chief of strategic communications for the Multinational Force in Iraq before taking over command here. Prior to that, he was the commander of the 55th Electronic Combat Group and earlier served as the commander of the 41st Electronic Combat Squadron during Operation Iraqi Freedom.