May 23, 2008 (by SSgt. Alice Moore) -
A graduate of Texas A & M University became the 47th "Wolf" today in front of Wolf Pack Airmen and various community and military leaders from the Republic of Korea and the U.S.
Lt. Gen. Stephen Wood, 7th AF, Air Forces Korea commander, passes the 8th FW guidon to Colonel James "Wolf" Bearden, 8th FW commander, during the wing change of command ceremony on May 23, 2008
Colonel James "Wolf" Bearden assumed command of the 8th Fighter Wing during a change of command at Hanger 3. Lt. Gen. Stephen Wood, 7th Air Force, Air Forces Korea commander, presided over the event.
"I'm proud to be on your team and to be your commander," Colonel Bearden said.
During the ceremony the new "Wolf" praised Colonel CQ Brown, former 8th Fighter Wing commander, for all his work during his year as commander and said the Wolf Pack must continue to do what the previous Airmen here have done.
"It's our time to accept the mission," Colonel Bearden said.
Colonel Brown received a Legion of Merit and the ROKAF Order of National Security Merit Samil Medals during the ceremony for his leadership of the wing over the last year.
"This wasn't about me, you all made it happen," Colonel Brown said. "I want to thank you all for what you've done."
Colonel Brown is headed to the Pentagon to be a part of the commander's action group for the Secretary of the Air Force.
Colonel Bearden served as the 43rd Maintenance Group commander at Pope Air Force Base, N.C. He is a command pilot with more than 2,000 flying hours.
