Photo By William King | U.S. Army Lt. Col. Heather McAteer, commander of the 44th Expeditionary Signal...... read more read more
BAUMHOLDER, Germany – The 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion uncased its colors at a ceremony April 4, 2019, in the Rheinland Chapel, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the unit’s storied history at its new home in Baumholder.
The uncasing followed a casing ceremony April 2 in Grafenwoehr, where the unit had been headquartered since 2012. The battalion’s move is part of overseas force structure changes resulting from the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, showing continual U.S. commitment to NATO and its collective defense.
“We gather today to celebrate a historic chapter in the 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion’s history as we uncase our colors and mark our official transition from Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr, here to Smith Barracks in Baumholder,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Heather McAteer, commander of the 44th Expeditionary Signal Bn.
The 44th Expeditionary Signal Bn. traces its roots to 1944, and since being permanently stationed in Germany in 1981, the unit has had headquarters in Mannheim, Ettlingen, Mannheim again, Schweinfurt, Grafenwoehr, and now Baumholder.
“In each location we have maintained a mission focus, and we have fostered strong partnerships with our German military counterparts and our host nation communities,” McAteer said.
U.S. Army Col. Jason Edwards, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz commander, acknowledged that unit moves can be challenging, but said the Baumholder community is very welcoming and encouraged the Soldiers to embrace their new community.
“It’s about family, and it’s about community. If you look around the Rheinland-Pfalz area, and I challenge around all Germany, you will not find a more receptive community,” Edwards said.
Several community members attended the uncasing ceremony, including leaders from USAG Rheinland-Pfalz and the Baumholder Military Community, and German Army and host nation civic leaders.
Bernd Alsfasser, the Baumholder district mayor, said it was a great day for the city and district of Baumholder, and added that he looks forward to a strong friendship with the 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion.
“The doors from the city and also from the district are every time open for a good partner and friendship,” Alsfasser said.
The uncasing of the colors signifies the restationing of the battalion headquarters, though it will still take some more time to fully move the remainder of the unit’s Soldiers, families and equipment to Baumholder.
“This transition is only one of many in the coming years, and (Command) Sgt. Maj. Mitcham and I are very proud of your accomplishments,” McAteer said addressing her Soldiers. “Our pace will not slacken. As we move forward, take care of yourselves and your families.”
| Date Taken: | 04.04.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2019 09:18 |
| Story ID: | 316871 |
| Location: | BAUMHOLDER, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, DE |
| Web Views: | 753 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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