PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- The Army's 229th Military Intelligence Battalion welcomed a new leader during a change-of-command ceremony held here Aug 1.
Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Commandant Col. David Chapman, officiated as Lt. Col. Frank Smith, outgoing commander of the battalion, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Derrick Long during a ceremony held at the Presidio's Soldier Field.
More than 400 Soldiers from the battalion were in attendance to witness the event and greet their new commander.
"It's an honor to preside over a ceremony to recognize a very successful outgoing commander and to welcome a very capable new commander.," Chapman said. "The 229th MI Battalion achieved new heights in excellence under Lieutenant Colonel Smith's leadership."
During his remarks at the lectern, Smith thanked many individuals and gave Long a hearty welcome to the 229th MI Battalion family. "You're joining a world- class group of Soldiers and I wish you great success in all you do," said Smith.
Turning to the more than 400 men and women of the squadron standing in formation before him on the field, Smith spoke fondly of his two years as their battalion commander and expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support.
"My departing wish for you, as it has been over the last two years, is that you continue to seek opportunity, be credible and be resilient as you go forward," said Smith to the assembled Soldiers. "I am immensely proud of you."
The ceremony was concluded with the singing of the Army Song.
ABOUT THE 229th MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BATTALION
The mission of the 229th Military Intelligence Battalion located on the Presidio of Monterey is to provide the Army with ready Soldier linguists. The 229th was originally constituted in the Regular Army as the 29th Military Intelligence Battalion in Panama in 1985. In June 1986, the battalion was placed in a reinforcing role to the 470th Military Intelligence Group, INSCOM, strengthening the overall management of Army Intelligence assets in the theater.
The battalion distinguished itself during Operation Just Cause in 1988-89, earning the Army Superior Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious performance of duty while in support of the United States Army South, the United States Southern Command, and the Joint Task Force-Panama. The unit inactivated in Panama in October 1991. The 29th Military Intelligence Battalion (CEWI) was re-designated as the 229th Military Intelligence Battalion in December 1995. In March 1996 the 229th Military Intelligence Battalion assumed its mission from Troop Command, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center and Presidio of Monterey.
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