10th AAMDC welcomes new 5-7 ADA battalion commander

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class John Zumer | U.S. Army Col. Stephen Richmond, commander of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, congratulates U.S. Army Lt. Col. Philip Labasi after presenting him with the Meritorious Service Medal, June 26, at Rhine Ordnance Barracks. Labasi had just ended his two years as commander of the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery, a subordinate unit of the 10th AAMDC, and the medal recognized outstanding achievement during his leadership tenure. The presentation took place immediately before the change of command ceremony for 5-7 ADA that saw Labasi relinquish command to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Lisa Bartel. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Zumer, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command public affairs)  

KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, GERMANY

07.02.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. John Zumer 

10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – Family members, friends and hundreds of soldiers gathered together normally mean something big is on the agenda. Those ingredients were in abundance Wednesday, June 26, and they made for a fitting change of command ceremony as the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command welcomed a new battalion commander among its subordinate units.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Lisa Bartel assumed leadership of the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery from U.S. Army Lt. Col. Philip Labasi during the Rhine Ordnance Barracks ceremony.

The significance of it all wasn’t lost on U.S. Army Col. Stephen Richmond, the 10th AAMDC commander, who made welcoming comments and thanked Labasi for his strong leadership of the “No Fear” battalion. More importantly, he noted what Labasi left behind, namely a well-trained and disciplined air defense unit capable of deploying quickly and efficiently.

“The legacy that Lt. Col. Labasi leaves to Lt. Col. Bartel is that of a tough, disciplined, dedicated and professional battalion, confident in their ability to handle any mission,” said Richmond.

Additionally, Labasi, along with the help of his company commanders and junior leaders, played pivotal roles over the last two years, Richmond said. Those roles included implementing unit and professional training, which included marksmanship, gunnery, situational training exercises, missions to Poland, Turkey and Israel, Family readiness group activities, and equipment maintenance.

Much of the success that 5-7 ADA recently enjoyed during exercise Austere Challenge in Israel last year was also attributable to the passion, leadership, and professionalism of Labasi, said Richmond.

Labasi, who was recently selected to attend the Air War College in Montgomery, Ala., was appreciative of the kind words. He was equally quick in assigning any credit due elsewhere, namely to the other officers, noncommissioned officers and soldiers of the “No Fear” battalion.

“It’s been an honor to serve with you,” said Labasi.

Bartel’s last assignment prior to assuming command of 5-7 ADA was as the Strategy and Theater Posture Deputy Division Chief, United States Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. She received her commission in 1994 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin (Oshkosh).

While Bartel is mindful of the storied 5-7 ADA history as she takes command, the future will naturally be of paramount importance, she said.

“I look forward to maintaining the 5-7 ADA involvement in the community,” she said, and also hopes to build other relationships that strengthen the unit and its vital role in protecting Europe from ballistic missile threats.

• Date Taken: 07.02.2013
• Date Posted: 07.02.2013 10:40
• Story ID: 109620
• Location: KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE