REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Brig. Gen. Theodore "Ted" Harrison accepted command of the Army Contracting Command and Bryan R. Samson accepted responsibility as the acting director of the Expeditionary Contracting Command before more than 200 Soldiers, civilians and guests here.

Gen. Dennis E. Via, Army Materiel Command commanding general, welcomed Harrison during the Oct. 2 ceremony and charged him with continuing the tradition of contracting excellence within the organization.

"What you just observed was a simple, yet very symbolic ceremony and it represents more than a change of responsibility between two outstanding general officers and a member of our senior executive service," said Via. "It symbolizes the rich heritage of our great Army. It reaffirms the unique authority and responsibility vested by our Army and our nation in the commander and represents continuity as the colors of ACC and ECC were passed from one leader to another."

Harrison is no stranger to ACC. He takes over the ACC commanding general position after having served as the ECC commanding general here since April 2012.

"I'm proud of the performance and accomplishments of the Soldiers and civilians of the Expeditionary Contracting Command during my tenure and I expect them to provide that same level of support to the command's future leaders. For your outstanding dedication to duty, I say thank you," said Harrison. "Sitting so close to the ACC headquarters, I've already had the privilege to work closely with many of the ACC staff. I vow to continue to be your advocate, to be your voice among the Army's senior leaders and to continue working to provide you the resources you need to do your job.

"ACC will continue to work to provide capable and professional contracting teams and support the nation's war fighters with expert contracting support around the globe."

Nichols, the first ACC commanding general, has been selected to be the deputy commanding general for support/chief of staff, Installation Management Command, San Antonio, Texas.

"It has been an honor to serve in the ACC," Nichols said. "The Soldiers and civilians are inspirational in their total commitment in support of our Army. I thank them all for their unconditional support and know they will give Brig. Gen. Harrison the same. There is no better choice to replace me than Ted."

Samson previously served as Harrison's deputy to the commanding general. He was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in November 2010.

"I have been privileged to serve with exceptional contracting leaders -- civilian, officer, noncommissioned officer and foreign local nationals during my career and I thank them all for their service and sacrifice," said Samson. "To the members of the ECC, I promise to give my best and do my part to keep us effective, efficient and relevant to our Army. With your help, we will remain engaged, capable and committed."