926th Civil Engineer Flight names commander

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jessica Martin
  • 926th Group public affairs
The 926th Group celebrated the appointment of a new flight commander here April 14.

Capt. Daniel Tufts leads the 926th Civil Engineer Flight, activated December 2010. The 926th CEF deploys explosive ordnance disposal Airmen worldwide to provide force protection for military and civilian personnel against nuclear, chemical and biological threats. The flight is integrated with the RegAF's EOD team at Nellis, adding manpower and expertise to its role of combating explosive hazards and improvised explosive devices.

"EOD has an inherently dangerous, yet very necessary mission," said Col. Herman Brunke, Jr., 926th Group commander and the ceremony's presiding official. "The 926th Group's mission is to organize, train and equip the regular Air Force, and I have no doubt this leadership's training will be of the highest caliber."

Captain Tufts began his Air Force career as an enlisted member in 1990 and later became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. Prior to joining the 926th GP, he served as the Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Liaison for the Multi-National Forces Iraq North, and the Operations Officer for the Weapons Intelligence Teams, Multi-National Forces Iraq.

"EOD is the tip of the spear in CE," said Captain Tufts. "We're moving to locations that are pure dirt; we need to learn and train with the RegAF so that when we go out into the field no one knows the difference."

The appointment of command is rooted in military tradition dating back to the 18th century during the reign of Frederick the Great of Prussia. At that time, organizational flags were developed with color arrangements and symbols unique to each particular unit. To this flag and its commander, the soldiers of the unit would dedicate their loyalty and trust. When a new leader was to take command, the flag was passed to the individual appointed to or assuming command.

This gesture was accomplished in front of the unit so that all could see and witness their new leader being appointed to or assuming the position. The leader who held the flag also held the soldier's allegiance. This symbolic tradition has survived throughout military history.