451st makes history, stands up as wing

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Lieutenant General Gary L. North, 9th Air Force and Air Forces Central commander (far left) and Brigadier General Guy M. Walsh, the new 451st Air Expeditionary Wing commander (second from left) salute as the Afghanistan and U.S. national anthems are played during an assumption of command and activation ceremony here July 2, 2009. Unit Airmen, distinguished visitors and coalition partners attended as the 451st transitioned from a group to a wing at 7 a.m. General Walsh was the wing commander for the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard before accepting his assignment here. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Noelle Caldwell)

ANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Brig. Gen. Guy M. Walsh addresses 451st Airmen, distinguished visitors and coalition partners as the new Wing commander for the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing here after an assumption of command and activation ceremony July 2, 2009. The 451st transitioned from a group to a wing at 7 a.m. as Lt. Gen. Gary L. North, 9th Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central commander, handed Gen. Walsh the guidon. General Walsh was the wing commander for the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard before accepting his assignment here. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Noelle Caldwell)

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Brigadier General Guy M. Walsh stands ready to give his first remarks as the new Wing commander for the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing here after an assumption of command and activation ceremony July 2, 2009. The 451st transitioned from a group to a wing at 7 a.m. as Lt. General Gary L. North, 9th Air Force and Air Forces Central commander, handed Gen. Walsh the guidon. General Walsh was the wing commander for the 175th Wing, Maryland Air National Guard, Baltimore, Maryland, before accepting his assignment here. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Noelle Caldwell)