Col. Shane Barrett, center, assumes command of the 23rd Wing Maintenance Group at Moody Air Force Base Thursday.

VALDOSTA — With the words, “I assume command,” Col. Shane Barrett assumed command of the 23rd Wing Maintenance Group from Colonel Jeffery Dekker at Moody Air Force Base Thursday.

The ceremony began at 8:23, symbolic of the 23rd Wing.

Col. Chad Franks presided over the ceremony.

“It’s an honor to preside over today’s change of command,” Franks said. “Today’s ceremony gives us an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the 23rd wing.”

After thanking Dekker for his service, Franks went on to thank Dekker’s wife for years of patience.

“We don’t have awards for our spouses,” Franks said to Dekker’s wife before he presented with his  Commander’s Coin.

In his farewell speech to the group, Col. Dekker counted his blessings.

“I have been blessed immensely in my personal and professional life.” Dekker said. “God continues to shine his light upon me, the Americans I have been charged to to lead and, most importantly, my family.”

As he assumed command, Barrett decided to keep his speech short, saying, “Yeah, I know: I’m the new guy.”

He felt honored to assume command, he said.

“I will do everything I can to be worthy of you and the mission over these next few years,” Barrett said.