Marine Expeditionary Force changes command

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- A U.S. commander with experience in Iraq has taken command of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq and Afghanistan, authorities said.

Lt. Gen. Joseph Dunford assumed command of the force Friday from Lt. Gen. Samuel Helland, who is retiring after 41 years of military service dating to Vietnam, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

Dunford also assumed the post of commanding general of Marine Corps Forces Central Command. Helland held both posts for the last two years.

In a ceremony honoring military traditions, Helland relinquished command at California's Camp Pendleton, praising Marines and sailors serving in war zones "in the hottest part of the day and the darkest part of the night."

"Their sacrifices will be long remembered by people everywhere whenever the words freedom, liberty and justice are spoken," Helland said.