JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska - Army Col. Scott A. Green assumed command of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division from the outgoing commander, Col. Matthew W. McFarlane, during a change of command ceremony Nov. 26, 2014 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
The event was attended by many dignitaries and Family members from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson including U.S. Army Alaska commander Maj. Gen. Michael H. Shields and Alaska representative Dan Saddler.
After greeting the many distinguished attendees, Shields described the conditions in which McFarlane took control of the brigade.
"This was a brigade built for war," Shields said. "The Spartans had just returned from their third deployment in only seven years of existence. His mission was to reset, rebuild and refocus a team freshly returned from combat in Afghanistan. He's done that and more. It is now the most operational, versatile, and active unit in the Army."
Shields listed 14 places among four continents in which the brigade operated in the last year.
"The Spartans are truly ambassadors for our nation, building trust and reassurance across the Pacific, Shields said. "Under [McFarlane's] leadership, the 4th of the 25th was continuously marked by excellence. Your energetic style of leadership allowed this brigade to exceed all expectations over the past two years."
Shields said the paratroopers looked great as they stood in formation for the ceremony. He also took a moment to thank the U.S. Army Alaska Band for their continued performances over the years.
When McFarlane's turn came to speak he was full of thanks. He thanked all of the leaders in the 4/25, from top to bottom.
"I loved serving in the Spartan Brigade because of the people," McFarlane said. "The very special people of all ranks, of all types, of various backgrounds with a sense of service to their country. You are the reason I love to serve. Not only do you make our military better every day, you have made me a better person. For that, I am grateful."
Lastly, McFarlane thanked his wife, Kelly, for her lifelong commitment and continued support.
McFarlane gave Col. Green and his wife Karla his best wishes as he stepped away and relinquished command of the brigade.
McFarlane will be moving on from here to take the position of executive officer of U.S. Army Forces Command in Fort Bragg, N.C.
Green thanked McFarlane and his wife for their help during the Greens' move and transition into the brigade and Alaska.
Green went on to thank many members of the Armed Services, his parents, his wife Karla, and his three daughters for their support throughout his career.
Green took a moment to address the 4/25's paratroopers and their Families and friends.
"As I look across this formation I'm reminded what the Spartan king, Agesilaus, said when he was asked why Sparta had no walls in a time when cities used walls for defense," Green said. "He pointed to his men in full armor and replied, 'these are the walls of Sparta'. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and among the many things I'm thankful for, I'm immensely thankful to have the opportunity to serve as your commander and I'm honored to stand in your ranks."
The ceremony concluded a long string of change of command ceremonies held within the brigade over the last several days which saw four of its battalion's receive new commanders.
From here, the brigade will continue to focus its attention on fulfilling its mission as the only airborne brigade in the Pacific Theater.
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