SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group is waist-deep in combat operations for the foreseeable future and their outgoing group commander, Col. David Brynteson, recently flew his last flight before returning home.
His responsibilities as operations group commander spanned four different squadrons including fighter, attack, space and support squadrons, all while also flying combat operations himself.
“My primary job and my group’s primary job are to execute the air tasking order daily, whether that’s flying combat missions, doing armed over watch or having the OSS manage the airfield,” said Brynteson. “Leading in combat has been one of my favorite experiences here.”
The 332nd EOG falls under the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, which is in the process of establishing a long-lasting footprint in its area of responsibility.
The 332nd EOG has been a big part of the progression over the past few months. Defending the region and delivering airpower is in the forefront of the wing’s mission.
“My time here has been historical and complex, I can’t think of a bigger honor,” Brynteson said. “We’re liberating families, liberating major cities. We haven’t done these types of operations since WWII. To be a part of that is amazing, I am very honored and humbled.”
Brynteson explained after leading a squadron here from his home station, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, it’s bittersweet to be headed home.
“I was here before they showed up and it was special to welcome the Gunfighters here with me, and it will be great to welcome them home,” Brynteson said. “I’ll go back from here and [will again] be the vice wing commander, and start my day job.”
The colonel added how proud he is of the hard work by his unit, from the maintainers fixing jets on the flight line, to loading bombs, to aircrew flying missions.
“It’s not about the numbers, it’s not about the records, it’s not about the numbers of bombs, it’s about how they’ve performed out there,” Brynteson said. “They’ve performed phenomenally on all levels; we’re making this place better for the next unit. When the next unit comes in, the T-Bolts have readied operations for a smooth transition. If we can make it better for them we’ve done our job.”