U.S. Air Force Col. David Harris Jr. assumed command of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group in a change of command ceremony July 23.

"The Air Force will continue to amaze," were U.S. Air Force Col. Dean Lee's parting words as he passed the command to Harris.

Harris told the members of the 449th AEG "I had the privilege to meet many of you over the past week, and what stood out to me the most was the professionalism and the pride that we take and the mission focus that we have to do our jobs each and every day. In my mind it's that professionalism and focus that are the two key traits that will carry this organization. I consider it a gift to be a part of this team."

U.S. Maj. Gen. Carlton Everhart II, vice commander, 3rd Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Africa commander, presided over the 449th AEG change of command ceremony.

"Harris has a tremendous wealth of knowledge and a trance on how to do his business. He too is an innovator and he too knows how to build relationships across a broad spectrum," said Everhart.

The 449th AEG is assigned to U.S. Air Forces Africa, which conducts personnel recovery and other operations, in supporting activities to enable Air Forces Africa Command and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa.