355th Fighter Wing to change command

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DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 355th Fighter Wing here will conduct a change-of-command ceremony at 8 a.m. Thursday.

Colonel Kent Laughbaum will relinquish command to Colonel P.J. Johnson, who will become the 48th commander of Davis-Monthan's host wing. Colonel Johnson most recently served at the Pentagon as the executive officer to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

Colonel Johnson is a command pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours in the A-10. He is also a recipient of several decorations, including the Air Force Cross and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Colonel Laughbaum commanded the 355th Fighter Wing through a period of high-intensity operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. During the last two years, the 355th deployed more than 3,000 Airmen for combat and successfully battled the enemy in numerous engagements across southwest Asia.

A time-honored military tradition, the change-of-command ceremony is a formal event that allows other Airmen to personally witness the command authority passing from one officer to another.

Media are invited to attend the change of command. Those interested must RSVP no later than 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, by calling the 355th FW Public Affairs office. Also, please see attached bios for career information on both officers.