U.S. Air Forces Central (AFCENT) officially welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony held on August 4 at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. Lt. Gen. Daniel Lasica assumed command from Lt. Gen. Derek France, who is set to retire after leading AFCENT since April 18, 2024.
The ceremony was presided over by Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command, who praised AFCENT's long history of operational excellence and its critical role in supporting U.S. military operations across the Middle East and Central Asia.
"Since 1979, this command has defined combat excellence and stood as our nation's sentry," Spain said, emphasizing AFCENT's continued legacy of generating combat-ready airpower.
Representing U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank commended Lt. Gen. France for his leadership over the past two years, highlighting his contributions to strengthening partnerships with joint and coalition forces across the CENTCOM area of responsibility.
During his farewell remarks, Lt. Gen. France reflected on his tenure, describing it as an honor to lead AFCENT during a historic period marked by evolving regional security challenges.
"I am humbled today to have had the opportunity to lead AFCENT during a historic time on the world's stage," France said. "I am proud to stand alongside all of you in writing history."
Lt. Gen. Daniel Lasica takes command after serving as Director of Operations at U.S. European Command (EUCOM) headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. In his first remarks as AFCENT commander, Lasica pledged to continue the command's tradition of operational excellence while focusing on future mission readiness.
"This team has been led by warriors and leaders that epitomize our fighting spirit," Lasica said. "We will continue our legacy of valor and aggressively focus on defend, defeat, develop and win."
As the air component of U.S. Central Command, AFCENT oversees all U.S. Air Force operations, regional partnerships, and combat readiness throughout the Middle East and Central Asia, playing a vital role in supporting regional stability and U.S. national security objectives.
