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451 Air Expeditionary Group holds change of command at Kandahar Airfield

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jason Brown
  • 451st Air Expeditionary Group
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  The 451st Air Expeditionary Group received a new commander during a change of command ceremony July 3 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. 

Col. Max Della Pia accepted command of the group and assumed the duties of the senior airfield authority following Col. Ron Farris' relinquishment of command as commander of the 451st AEG.
 
Brig. Gen. Bill Hyatt, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, presided over the ceremony and awarded Colonel Farris the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. 

In the time-honored ceremonial passing of the guidon flag to Colonel Della Pia at the KAF Kilo ramp Farris stepped down as 451st AEG commander and Senior Air Field Authority. 

Della Pia accepted his new responsibilities as he addressed Hyatt saying, "Sir, I assume command." 

A time-honored military tradition, the change of command dates back to the 18th century and Frederick the Great of Prussia. The ceremony affords the fighting force the opportunity to witness their new leader assume the position of authority.