U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael D. Barbero has taken the reins for Multi-National Security Transition Command−Iraq and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Training Mission−Iraq. Lt. Gen. Frank G. Helmick relinquished command of MNSTC-I and NTM-I during a Wednesday ceremony attended by Multi-National Force−Iraq commander Gen. Ray Odierno, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Christopher Hill and Iraqi political and civilian leaders.

A West Point grad, Barbero was commissioned Infantry and is a veteran of two previous tours in Iraq.

“You never really leave Iraq,” he said according to a statement. “Your thoughts continuously return to the mission and to your friends serving here.”

Helmick will become commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, N.C.