U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Bruzzini assumed command of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group from U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Duffy during the 449th AEG Change of Command ceremony June 6, 2016, at Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti. U.S. Air Force Col. Andra Kniep, 435th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, served as the presiding officer for the ceremony.
By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr. , Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of AfricaCamp Lemonnier, DjiboutiJun 08, 2016
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CJTF-HOA welcomes new 449th AEG commander
U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Bruzzini, 449th Air Expeditionary Group incoming commander, receives the 449th AEG flag from U.S. Air Force Col. Andra Kniep, 435th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, during the 449th AEG Change of Command ceremony June 6, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The passing of the flag is a military tradition signifying the change of authority and responsibility of a unit from one commander to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.)
Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.
Photo 2 of 8
CJTF-HOA welcomes new 449th AEG commander
U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Bruzzini, 449th Air Expeditionary Group incoming commander, presents his first salute to the unit during the 449th AEG Change of Command ceremony June 6, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Bruzzini has experience in combat and combat support missions in Operations Allied Force, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as experience in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.)
Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.
Photo 3 of 8
CJTF-HOA welcomes new 449th AEG commander
U.S. Airmen of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group salute U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Bruzzini, 449th AEG’s incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony June 6, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The first salute is a sign of respect and acknowledgement rendered to new leadership during such ceremonies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.)
Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.
Photo 4 of 8
CJTF-HOA welcomes new 449th AEG commander
U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Bruzzini, 449th Air Expeditionary Group incoming commander, makes his first remarks to his new unit during the 449th AEG Change of Command ceremony June 6, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Bruzzini comes to the 449th AEG from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, where he served as the deputy assistant secretary for programs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.)
Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.
Photo 5 of 8
CJTF-HOA welcomes new 449th AEG commander
U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Duffy, 449th Air Expeditionary Group outgoing commander, hands the 449th AEG flag to U.S. Air Force Col. Andra Kniep, 435th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, during the 449th Change of Command ceremony June 6, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The passing of the flag is a military tradition signifying the change of authority and responsibility of a unit from one commander to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.)
Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.
Photo 6 of 8
CJTF-HOA welcomes new 449th AEG commander
U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Duffy, 449th Air Expeditionary Group outgoing commander, makes final remarks to the men and women of the group during the 449th AEG Change of Command ceremony June 6, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The 449th AEG is assigned to U.S. Air Forces Africa and conducts personnel recovery and other operations in support of activities for Air Forces Africa and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.)
Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.
Photo 7 of 8
CJTF-HOA welcomes new 449th AEG commander
U.S. Air force Col. Andra Kniep, 435th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and presiding officer, presents a certificate for The Legion of Merit to U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Duffy, 449th Air Expeditionary Group outgoing commander, during the 449th AEG Change of Command ceremony June 6, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The Legion of Merit is presented to a person who has distinguished themself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.)
Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.
Photo 8 of 8
CJTF-HOA welcomes new 449th AEG commander
U.S. Air Force Col. Andra Kniep, 435th Air Expeditionary Wing commander and presiding officer, speaks about the achievements of U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Duffy, 449th Air Expeditionary Group outgoing commander, during the 449th AEG Change of Command ceremony June 6, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Assigned to U.S. Forces Africa, The 449th AEG conducts personnel recovery and other operations in support of activities to enable U.S. Air Forces Africa and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Summers Jr.)
Archbishop Broglio visits Djibouti to strengthen faith and partnerships
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, visited Djibouti for a multi-day engagement with religious leaders and U.S. service members.
U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and AFRICOM senior leaders, conducted a series of high-level visits to Africa with stops in Ethiopia, Somaliland and Puntland, Nov. 23-27, 2025. The visits were part of an East Africa trip aimed to strengthen America’s strategic approach to confronting terrorism through mutual engagement, stronger cooperation, and aligned security priorities.
CJTF- HOA welcomes new command senior enlisted leader
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Brown, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commanding general, presided over the CJTF- HOA change of responsibility from U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ted Braxton, outgoing CJTF- HOA command senior enlisted leader, to U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Mike Brown, incoming CJTF-HOA CSEL, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 11.
Archbishop Broglio visits Djibouti to strengthen faith and partnerships
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, visited Djibouti for a multi-day engagement with religious leaders and U.S. service members.
U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and AFRICOM senior leaders, conducted a series of high-level visits to Africa with stops in Ethiopia, Somaliland and Puntland, Nov. 23-27, 2025. The visits were part of an East Africa trip aimed to strengthen America’s strategic approach to confronting terrorism through mutual engagement, stronger cooperation, and aligned security priorities.
CJTF- HOA welcomes new command senior enlisted leader
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Brown, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commanding general, presided over the CJTF- HOA change of responsibility from U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ted Braxton, outgoing CJTF- HOA command senior enlisted leader, to U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Mike Brown, incoming CJTF-HOA CSEL, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 11.
Archbishop Broglio visits Djibouti to strengthen faith and partnerships
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, head of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, visited Djibouti for a multi-day engagement with religious leaders and U.S. service members.
U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and AFRICOM senior leaders, conducted a series of high-level visits to Africa with stops in Ethiopia, Somaliland and Puntland, Nov. 23-27, 2025. The visits were part of an East Africa trip aimed to strengthen America’s strategic approach to confronting terrorism through mutual engagement, stronger cooperation, and aligned security priorities.
CJTF- HOA welcomes new command senior enlisted leader
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Brown, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commanding general, presided over the CJTF- HOA change of responsibility from U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ted Braxton, outgoing CJTF- HOA command senior enlisted leader, to U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Mike Brown, incoming CJTF-HOA CSEL, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 11.