Colonel Alex Mezynski takes command of the 5th Bomb Wing

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jose Davis
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Col. Alex Mezynski took command from Col. James Dawkins Jr. of the 5th Bomb Wing during a change of command ceremony here, Jan. 14.

Col. Mezynski takes command after serving as the vice commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La. He received his commission in 1993 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.

Mezynski has flown the B-1B, the B-2 and the B-52. He has more than 2,900 hours of total flight time, including combat experience while flying missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

As 5th BW commander, Mezynski said he looks forward to continuing the wing's heralded success in numerous awards and accomplishments, furthering the tradition of excellence and diligence notable of the Airmen of the base.

"Minot Air Force Base boasts some of the most disciplined and combat-capable Airmen in our Air Force," Mezynski said. "Whether it is conducting our day-to-day deterrence mission or providing our combative commanders with unmatched fire power and expeditionary Airmen, time and time again you have proven to be up to the task."

The 5th BW is a B-52H Stratofortress wing and serves as part of the Air Force's strategic and conventional combat force. The wing is assigned to the Air Force Global Strike Command.