The U.S. military officially marked the end of what it called "Operation Iraqi Freedom" and the beginning of "Operation New Dawn" at a traditional change of command ceremony that featured General Ray Odierno handing over command of the forces in Iraq to General Llyod Austin. Attending the ceremony were Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates. The military has met the deadline set by President Obama to draw down to 50,000 troops by Aug. 31. Iraqi security forces are now officially in charge of all combat operations, with U.S. forces involved only in an "advise and assist" role, according to the U.S. military.
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