Change of command

Maj. Gen. Ron Ladnier (left), 17th Air Force (Air Forces Africa) commander, passes the 404th Air Expeditionary Group flag to new Commander Col. Mark D. Vijums during a change of command ceremony March 24. Colonel Vijums comes to the 404th as an Air Force Reservist who also serves as the vice commander, 934th Airlift Wing at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport under Air Reserve Command. He replaces outgoing 404th Commander Col. Lida Dahnke, who commanded the unit since its October 2008 standup. Assisting in the transfer of command is 17th AF Command Chief Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Steffen (behind flag).