Photo By Staff Sgt. William Sallette | Maj. Gen. Richard M. Burr and Maj. Gen. Gregory C. Bilton are presented artillery...... read more read more
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FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – Maj. Gen. Richard M. Burr is bidding U.S. Army Pacific “G’Day,” and moving on to his next assignment. An Australian Defense Force general, Burr is the first foreign officer to serve as deputy commanding general at a major Army Service Component Command.
As the USARPAC DCG-Operations he was responsible for the development, synchronization and alignment of more than 106,000 U.S. Army forces within the Asia-Pacific area of operations in support of the U.S. Pacific Command theater campaign plan.
“Our two countries have a very strong relationship and I have been very proud to have been assigned to a position like this, serving both countries,” said Burr. “Being the first into any job is the most exhilarating thing because it’s new and you are defining the space. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to do that.”
When initially introduced, the assignment of a foreign general to USARPAC was merely a concept, so Burr had to set the standard for policy and integration into the headquarters.
“I have been very well received and warmly embraced and I feel like I am part of the broader multi-national team,” said Burr. “I think that is what has helped make it successful. I think we have been able to demonstrate the true power of this relationship and the fact that I can add value to the team and strengthen the linkages between all of our countries. I have really enjoyed representing the United States Army and specifically USARPAC in this role.”
Sept. 1 marked the 63rd anniversary of the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty and Burr’s assignment to USARPAC reflects the type of relationship that continues to develop and strengthen between the two countries.
“It takes a great deal of trust and courage to have someone else on the team and I’ve been very pleased to be a part of that,” said Burr. “I think it symbolized to the region, if not to all countries, what the strength of our relationship and the strength of a close partnership looks like.”
As the DCG-O, Burr had oversight of the more than 144 engagements conducted throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Playing a major role in most of them, he had several opportunities to witness firsthand the professionalism and commitment of the Soldiers of USARPAC.
“Whether they are at home station, or in another country training, you have always done your nation proud,” said Burr. “I am proud and inspired to say that I was part of that same team here at USARPAC. The great work and commitment you show is recognized, appreciated and it is making a difference. Keep it up, it’s greatly valued.”
When Burr was originally assigned here in 2012, he was asked what he was looking forward to most while being assigned to Hawaii. Looking forward to taking advantage of water sports, especially learning how to surf topped his list.
“I only surfed a couple of times while I was here, but I have become a great fan of stand-up paddle boarding, so that is my new found passion and I quite enjoy getting out there, sometimes with the dog on board as well,” said Burr. “It’s a great test of one’s balance to do that with a 55-pound dog walking around on your board.”
When asked what he would miss most about Hawaii, Burr remarked, “Hawaii is a beautiful place. I love the Aloha spirit; it really is quite genuine. I have really enjoyed the warm embrace of the people. On the work front, this represents an enormous amount of history for the U.S. Army. You can really feel that history here, and it has been an honor to work in a headquarters with such a tremendous role in the region.”
Burr’s next assignment is as the Deputy Chief of the Army for the Australian Defense Force, at Australian Army Headquarters in Canberra.
“As I go back to Australia to be the Deputy Chief of the Army, I will still be heavily involved in the army-to-army relationships and I look forward to being in a role where I can continue advance some of the key initiatives that we were exploring here in the Pacific,” Burr remarked.
Commander of U.S. Army Pacific, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, believes that Burr won’t stop at deputy of the Army for the Australian Defense Force, but will continue his career even higher.
“Australia couldn’t ask for a better leader, for a better Soldier, a better warrior, a more caring and thoughtful individual and leader than [MG Burr], to be in whatever position they have waiting in the future.“
“I like to think that just by doing my job well, I have been able to make this position and initiative seen as one that is a successful model, and one that wants to be continued,” said Burr. “I think we have achieved that and have paved the way from a policy point-of-view, as well as a practical point-of-view, for the next DCG-O to be fully integrated into the headquarters and to continue on with the momentum of this position.”
A Flying V ceremony was held Nov. 17 on historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, where Brooks, USARPAC commanding general and the rest of the USARPAC staff bid farewell to Burr and his family as well as welcome in Maj. Gen. Gregory C. Bilton. Its name refers to the V shape in which the colors are posted during the ceremony.
Bilton comes to USARPAC from the 7th Multi-Role Combat Brigade, 1st Division, Australian Defense Force, in Brisbane, Australia.
“It has been a complete honor to work in a deputy commanding general role at such a high level and to be a part of the team and to try to make a difference,” said Burr. “It’s just one of those great, life-long memories that I will always treasure.”
| Date Taken: | 11.24.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.24.2014 15:29 |
| Story ID: | 148686 |
| Location: | FORT SHAFTER, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 495 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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