By Air Force 2nd Lt. Jason Brown
451st Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The 451st Air Expeditionary Group received a new commander in a change of command ceremony here July 3.
Air Force Col. Max Della Pia succeeded Air Force Col. Ron Farris as commander of the 451st AEG and assumed the duties of the senior airfield authority.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Bill Hyatt, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, presided over the ceremony and awarded Farris the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. In the time-honored ceremonial passing of the guidon (flag) to 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."