Allied Air Command Ramstein, a NATO air component, has a new deputy commander.

German Lt. Gen. Friedrich-Wilhelm Ploeger took over the duties Thursday, according to a news release issued by the command. He replaces British Air Marshal David Walker.

Ploeger, who joined the Luftwaffe in 1967, comes to Ramstein from his post in Kalkar, Germany.

Gen. Roger Brady, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, leads the NATO component.