Royal Air Force Commander hands over duties on Op Shader after completion of tour

A Royal Air Force Deputy Air Component Commander has handed over command of Operation Shader after completing his tour of duty.

Group Captain Lefroy, 83 Expeditionary Air Group's Deputy Air Component Commander, has reached the end of his tour and has passed over his duties to Group Captain Higgins.

His leadership and collaboration with coalition forces has been crucial in supporting the Middle East during challenging times.

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As he handed over command, Group Captain Lefroy referred to the team who served alongside him as the "beating heart of UK Air Power in the Middle East."

The handover of authority parade continues to mark the significant responsibilities UK armed forces have in promoting regional peace and security in the region.

His successor, Group Captain Higgins thanked Group Captain Lefroy for his service and commitment to the RAF.

Since 2014, the RAF has worked in Iraq and Eastern Syria under Operation Shader as part of an international coalition to strike against the Daesh terrorist movement and provide humanitarian aid to civilians in the Middle East.