FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- The 311th Signal Command (Theater) welcomed a new leadership team for the Soldiers and Civilians supporting the Army's Signal mission throughout the Pacific region during two official ceremonies on Fort Shafter's historic Palm Circle Parade Field Wednesday, May 28.
During a Relinquishing of Responsibility at 10 a.m., Command Sgt. Maj. Travis L. Cherry relinquished Noncommissioned Officer's Sword to interim Command Sgt. Maj. Allan Braswell, who became the senior enlisted Signal leader in the Pacific.
Command Sgt. Maj. Milton L. Weatherly, of Network Enterprise and Technology Command, U.S. Army, was the reviewing Cmd. Sgt. Maj. for the official passing of the sword, a tradition signifying passing of ultimate responsibility for the Soldiers of the command. Maj. Gen. James T. Walton, Commander, 311th SC(T), hosted the event.
Outgoing CSM Cherry spoke of his confidence in Braswell's ability to carry the torch as the senior NCO of the command.
"Today, you are welcoming a seasoned leader from within your own ranks: CSM Allen Braswell. I am confident that he will continue the proud legacy of the 311th as the Premier Signal Command," Cherry said. "CSM Braswell, I know the 311th team will take care of you, as they have taken care of me."
Braswell's assignment with the 311th comes after a successful two-year tour as the CSM for the 516th Signal Brigade, a direct reporting unit of the 311th. Also headquartered at Fort Shafter, the 516th is the most geographically dispersed Signal Brigade in the U.S. Army. As the interim 311th senior enlisted leader, his assignment grows to include and encompass all Signal units of the Pacific.
"Maj. Gen. Brock, I look forward to serving with you in the months ahead and building the bridge to the future for this great Signal Command," said Braswell. "This is an exciting time to be a Signaleer in the Pacific, and I am proud to be a part of it. I will honor this selection by serving with the integrity, loyalty, passion, and professionalism that is expected of me."
Cherry will take his expertise to his new assignment as Command Sergeant Major for the U.S. Army Signal Regiment, the U.S. Army Signal Center of Excellence, and during the center's transformation, he will serve as the first Command Sgt. Maj. of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence.
Later that day, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, Commander, U.S. Army, Pacific, hosted a Change of Command ceremony at 3 p.m. to bid farewell to one commander and welcome another for the Soldiers, Dept. of Army Civilians and their Families, throughout the Pacific region.
Maj. Gen. Lawrence W. Brock was selected to take command of the 311th SC(T) and serve as the USARPAC G6. He is formerly the Commanding General, 335th Signal Command (Theater), headquartered in East Pointe, Ga.
"Gen. Brooks, I especially appreciate the confidence you have afforded me in my military career and for allowing me to lead this great organization," said Brock. "We still must move forward with the great work Maj. Gen. Walton has begun and entrusted us to complete," he said to the 311th team, "We must continue to push our formations to stay focused and our Soldiers to take the extra step. We must continue working toward the same end state, in which I have no doubt we will be successful."
The ceremony culminated with the traditional passing of the unit's colors, during which 311th Command Sgt. Maj. Allan Braswell passed the colors to outgoing commander Walton, who then passed them to host commander Brooks, symbolizing the relinquishment of command. Brooks then passed the colors to Brock, representing the official assumption of command. Brock completed the cycle by passing the colors back to Braswell, who returned the 311th flag safely to the color guard.
Walton will take his expertise to his new assignment as Deputy Chief of Staff, Transformation & Restationing, U.S. Forces Korea, headquartered at U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, Korea.
The event featured the musical accompaniment of the 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Band, and a quartet of Army Reserve Soldiers from the 9th Mission Readiness Command performed the National Anthem.
Headquartered in Hawaii, the 311th SC(T) is the designated Signal command for the Pacific theater. The team of Soldiers and Civilians work together to plan, engineer, operate, maintain, defend, and extend Army and Joint networks throughout the Pacific Theater to enable mission command for unified land operations across all JIIM operational phases, and as directed, support cyberspace operations to ensure US/Allied freedom of action in cyberspace. The 311th is a multi-component command, which includes Active and Reserve Component Soldiers.
"While change is constant in our line of work, the one thing that remains the same is the dedication of our excellent and dynamic team of Soldiers and Civilians to achieve our vast mission throughout the Pacific region," Walton said. "Once again I want to thank all of you, and your families for the sacrifices they make to ensure mission success."
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