Service members, friends and family traveled from across the Indo-Pacific Command region to bid farewell to one commander, and welcome another during a ceremony at the historic Palm Circle, on Fort Shafter Hawaii, Feb. 11, 2020.
Brig. Gen. Michael T. Morrissey relinquished command of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command to Col. Mark A. Holler.
A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding, or flag officer to another. The passing of the colors from an outgoing commander to an incoming one ensures that the unit, and its soldiers are never without official leadership, a continuation of trust, and also signifies an allegiance of Soldiers to their unit's commander.
During the ceremony, Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, commanding general, U.S. Army Pacific, gave his thanks to the outgoing commander for his hard work, and steadfast leadership.
“The 94th commander reports to both the U.S. Army Pacific as a senior Army commander and the commander of the Pacific Air Force as the deputy air defense coordinator, advising him on all matters pertaining to integrated air and missile defense,” said LaCamera. “There are many challenges serving as dual hatted commander, but Brig. Gen. Morrissey has handled this responsibility exceptionally well.”
LaCamera, who presided over the ceremony, also warmly welcomed Holler to the island, and his new challenging command position.
“While we aren’t excited to see the Morrissey’s go, we are pleased to welcome Col. Mark Holler to the team,” said LaCamera. “An accomplished air defender, Col. Holler comes to us from the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School. I have no doubt he will continue to push the organization forward in its vital mission in support of the theater.”
In his remarks, Morrissey thanked all those he worked with during his tenure as commander of the 94th AAMDC, and said goodbye to those who impacted his time leading units across the region.
“I am humbled to stand here, as I was humbled to be part of this incredible team of Soldiers, civilians and families collectively known as the Sea Dragons,” said Morrissey. “The 94th AAMDC was never mine. I was simply entrusted with its care. I will miss the mission, I will miss the partners, and I will miss the people.”
Morrissey and his family will move on to his next assignment as the Director of Testing, at the Missile Defense Agency, Red Stone Arsenal, Ala.
Holler then took the opportunity to speak about what it means for him to take control of a unit with such a wide reaching, and valuable mission in the Indo-Pacific region.
“It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to command once again, and I will embrace the opportunity to achieve wins with lasting impact to shape the strategic environment, deter aggression and prevail in combat if required,” said Holler.
“The leaders and Soldiers of the Sea Dragon command, I am grateful to join your ranks, to serve you as your commanding officer.”
| Date Taken: | 02.13.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.13.2020 20:03 |
| Story ID: | 363083 |
| Location: | MILFORD, DELAWARE, US |
| Web Views: | 134 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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