404th AEG gets new commander

Maj. Gen. Ron Ladnier (left), Commander of 17th Air Force (Air Forces Africa), passes the 404th Air Expeditionary Group flag to new commander Col. Mark D. Vijums during a change of command ceremony here March 24. 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 CC Col. Lida Dahnke, who commanded the unit since its October 2008 standup. Also an Air Force Reservist, Colonel Dahnke returns to Hurlburt Field, Fla., where she is assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command. The 404th oversees flying operations for AFAfrica, including Ramstein's 42nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. The Group recently orchestrated airlift assistance to Rwandan peacekeepers in the Darfur region of Sudan. Assisting in the transfer of command is 17th AF Command Chief Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Steffen (behind flag). (USAF Photo by Master Sgt. Dave McClelland)