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Fighter wing welcomes new commander

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Daryl Knee
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDHALEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Col. David Julazadeh assumed command of the 52nd Fighter Wing from Brig. Gen. Chris Weggeman during a change of command ceremony in Hangar 1 here July 3.

More than 400 people attended the event, to include Spangdahlem Airmen, families and local community leaders.

Lt. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, Third Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony and spoke to the strengths of both the outgoing and incoming commanders.

"A change of command is a wonderful event," Franklin said. "It's sad on one part, because we're saying goodbye to a wonderful commander, Brig. Gen. Chris Weggeman. But the feeling of excitement that comes with a change of command is from welcoming the new command team. And we're very excited to welcome Col. David Julazadeh."

Julazadeh spent the last year as the wing's vice commander, or second in charge. Franklin said that it is not common for the vice commander to take command of the wing.

"I can't tell you how honored, humbled and so very grateful (I am) to have spent the last year on the team," Julazadeh said, "and how much I look forward to the next two years with such brilliant, dedicated and courageous world-class warriors. I'm proud to be your servant leader and your new Saber lead."

Group commanders have seen and experienced Julazadeh's leadership style for the past year, and he said that the focus of the wing will remain the same: mission, Airmen, families.

"He knows the wing, and we know him," said Col. David Lyons, 52nd Operations Group commander. "So, the transition should be easy. There are definite advantages of him being our new commander."

Julazadeh then displayed his commitment to building partnerships and trust between the base and local community when he spoke in German to the community leaders during the ceremony.

"Thank you for your friendship," Julazadeh's translation reads. "I look forward to strengthening our bonds and learning more about the wonderful Eifel region."

Klaus Rodens, the mayor of Spangdahlem, said he appreciated the sentiment and that while he is losing one friend, the Air Force could not have chosen a better leader.

"I think it's sad that (Weggeman) is leaving us, but it was nice to get to know him," Rodens said. "And on the other side, I think it's a perfect decision that the vice is going to take over command now -- we don't have to start over from the beginning. I think it's perfect; that's the way it should be."