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Team Minot welcomes new 5th BW commander

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Apryl Hall
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Col. Matthew Brooks accepted command of the 5th Bomb Wing from Col. Jason Armagost during a change of command ceremony at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, June 3, 2016.

Brooks comes to the 5th BW from Whiteman AFB, Missouri, where he served as the vice commander of the 509th BW.

Having previously served as commander of Dyess AFB's 9th Bomb Squadron and 7th Bomb Wing, Brooks is accustomed to long-range bombers. Piloting the B-1, B-2, T-38, T-37 and soon the B-52, Brooks has over 2,500 flight hours, to include over 750 hours in combat during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Brooks expressed his gratitude for being chosen to lead the Warbirds.

"My family and I are thrilled to be part of such a legendary team," Brooks said. "I will do my best to uphold the standard of excellence that is the hallmark of the Warbirds and Team Minot."

Presiding over the change of command ceremony was Eighth Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Richard Clark, who spoke about Brooks' qualifications and leadership skills.

"We are fortunate to have him leading this team," Clark said. "He's tall and lean, he's intelligent and educated, he has a wealth of experience both in combat and at the policy level, and he's a great leader. To put it bluntly, this man's got it all."

Armagost will be heading to Offutt AFB, Nebraska to serve with U.S. Strategic Command.

"Thank you to all the Airmen here, thanks to our civilians and thanks to our community for making this the best place I've had the privilege of serving," Armagost said.