455th Expeditionary Operations Group Airmen welcomed their new commander during a formal change of command ceremony here, June 4, 2011.

Col. Clay W. Hall, previously assigned as the, Deputy Director of Pacific Outreach, Headquarters United States Pacific Command Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, assumed command from Col. Nathan E. Hill.

The 455th Expeditionary Operations Group is responsible for conducting flying and aeromedical evacuation operations for the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. In addition, the group oversees the day-to-day operations of one F-15E Strike Eagle fighter squadron, one F-16 Falcon fighter squadron, one C-130H/J airlift squadron, one EC-130H Compass Call squadron, one MC-12 Reconnaissance squadron, an HH-60 Pave Hawk combat search and rescue squadron, and an Aeromedical Evacuation flight.

Although Colonel Hill has only been at Bagram three months, under his command the operations group has flown more than 10,500 combat sorties, transported more than 82,000 passengers, moved more than 1,600 tons of cargo, dropped more than 1,300 bundles of cargo from C-130 Hercules, supported more than 2,000 joint tactical air requests and responded to 525 troops in contact requests.

"As he returns to Hill Air Force Base, I know he has learned a great deal more about operations of the Air Force. We thank you for the great job you have done here, your service and your sacrifice and a job well done," said Brig. Gen. Darryl Roberson, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and officiating officer.

"Taking the flag from Colonel Hill is Colonel Clay Hall who has all the prerequisite experience necessary to do the job here he is needed to do," explained General Roberson. "Mission accomplishment and stewardship in a combat environment are your challenge, I know you are up to it and congratulate you on your selection as commander of the operations group."

Colonel Hill expressed his appreciation to his unit and confidence in incoming commander by saying, "I know our time wasn't that long, but I would like to say thank you for the trust and experience. I think I have had the best team ever in the Air Force here. Thank you very much; it has been a pleasure working with this team. The second part of our mission is to leave it better for the next guy, and I believe we have done that and with that Clay, they are all yours."

"I am excited to be here, I feel like I am in the location I need and want to be. Leadership in a combat zone is an honor and I am humbled to be here. I have only been here four days but I have watched from afar and the 455th EOG has performed nothing short of magnificently, it is really inspiring to see and I am ready to be part of the fight," Colonel Hall explained. "The Wing has a clear mission of supporting the fight, defending the base and winning the war and obviously this group has roles in all three, and we will continue to support the effort with professional, disciplined and precise airpower."