SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. — U.S. Air Forces Central (AFCENT) conducted a change of command ceremony Aug. 4 in South Carolina at Shaw Air Force Base, marking the transfer of leadership from Lt. Gen. Derek France to Lt. Gen. Daniel Lasica.
U.S. Air Force Gen. Adrian Spain, commander of Air Combat Command, presided over the ceremony and praised the accomplishments of AFCENT across its history and under France’s leadership.
“Since 1979 when this command took the mantle of the rapid deployment joint task force, you have defined combat excellence. This command has stood as our nation’s sentry,” Spain said. “Today, that legacy of generating airpower continues.”
Lt. Gen. Patrick Frank, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), represented the combatant command at the ceremony, highlighting the organization’s role in integration and successful relationships with joint and coalition partners.
“While in command of U.S. Air Forces Central over the past two years, Lt. Gen. France has been a tremendous warfighter and unparalleled contribution to the CENTCOM team,” Frank said. “His leadership and dedication will be remembered for years to come.”
France assumed command of AFCENT on April 18, 2024, and is currently slated to retire. During his outgoing remarks, France thanked the Airmen, leaders, and families across the command for their dedication and commitment.
“I am humbled today to have had the opportunity to lead AFCENT during a historic time on the world’s stage,” France said. “But more than that, I am proud to be counting myself among all of you in standing in the arena and writing history.”
Lasica joins AFCENT after serving as the director of operations at U.S. European Command headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.
Concluding the ceremony with his remarks, Lasica underscored the ongoing mission requirements, stating, “This team has been led by warriors and leaders that epitomize our fighting spirit. We will continue our legacy of valor and aggressively focus on defend, defeat, develop and win.”
As CENTCOM’s air component, AFCENT is responsible for all air operations, partnerships, and readiness in the Middle East and Central Asia.