FORT LEE, Va. (June 18, 2015) -- Brig. Gen. John F. Haley wrapped up his tour as the Chief of Ordnance with a relinquishment of command ceremony Friday in the maintenance high bay at Hatcher Hall on the Ordnance Campus.
Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, commanding general, CASCOM and Fort Lee, oversaw the event that temporarily passed responsibility of the corps to Col. Mark F. Migaleddi, the Ordnance School assistant commandant, until Haley's replacement -- Brig. Gen. Kurt Ryan -- arrives in early July.
The ceremony was a time to give thanks to "Jack" Haley and reflect on his leadership, said Lyons.
"I've known Jack many years because we've traded colors before … in Iraq in 2003; a little place called Dogwood," he said. "I knew when I was coming here -- with the Haleys here -- that this great corps, which was my basic branch, was in great hands. That has continued to be the case under General Haley's leadership."
Lyons told the audience about the many accomplishments of the Ordnance Corps and School over the last two years, and said the team was impressive.
"These many accomplishments are a reflection of an impressive team of Ordnance professionals," he said. "This team is a reflection of their leader, Brig. Gen. Jack Haley. Leadership is indeed the difference between mediocre organizations and excellence, and this is a clearly a team of excellence.
"Jack, as the 38th Chief of Ordnance, you've built a great future for the Ordnance Corps, focused on ready and responsive game changers who are organized to win," Lyons continued. "And in doing so, you continued the proud lineage of the Ordnance Corps, and that is great news for our United States Army."
Although relinquishments of command are rare, Haley said they were very similar to changes of command.
"They are bittersweet and a time to reflect on the tremendous progress and accomplishments of the organization, but also the realization of unmet goals, missions not quite completed, teammates you are leaving and the simple fact that, as a commander, your time is up," he said. "They are also an event of renewal; the promise of bigger and better things ahead under new leadership. This was the greatest honor of my career; to be the 38th Chief of Ordnance. Today is exceptionally difficult for me and my family."
Holding the ceremony in the maintenance high bay was important to him, said Haley.
"Twenty-six years ago, I pinned on my first lieutenant bars in front of a maintenance high bay in Germany," he said. "And I pinned on my current rank, right here, just over a year ago. This high bay stands as a symbol that bridges past generations with the future of our Army with its artifacts and displays that recall the history and heritage as the Army's maintainers, ammunition handlers, explosive ordnance disposal experts who live out the motto 'service on the line, on time.'"
Looking back at when he took command of the corps two years ago, Haley said it seemed like only yesterday when he rode a half-track around Whittington Field to inspect the troops.
"As the newly minted chief, I was both humbled and excited about the challenges that (were) ahead. We have covered a lot of ground since then," he said. "I can tell you I have thoroughly enjoyed standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you superstars through the challenges of the last 24 months. You are the hard-working and dedicated individuals who make it all happen … it was your professionalism, dedication and expertise that ensured mission success and I owe a debt of gratitude to a lot of people."
Haley will be moving to Joint Base Lewis- McChord, Wash., where he will assume command of the 593rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) replacing Ryan. Once that happens, Ryan will take command of the Ordnance Corps here, said Lyons.
"We couldn't quite figure out how to do a virtual change of command," Lyons joked, "to get them both changed out on the same day. Haley will go out and take command and we will get General Ryan back here."
The corps will be in good hands with the 39th Chief of Ordnance, said Haley.
"As I relinquish my role as the Chief of Ordnance, I know I'm passing the title to a proven leader who has the skills, the competencies and the attributes to shape the Ordnance Corps and School for the challenges of the future," he said. "Brig. Gen. Kurt Ryan is a personal friend who I've known since the advanced course, and he was my top choice to replace me, not that I got a vote. Kurt and Jennifer Ryan will take the Ordnance Corps to new heights, and I know I share the team's eager anticipation of their arrival in early July."
Haley said he's confident the Ordnance team will continue to do great things under Ryan.
"When I depart Fort Lee -- the home of Ordnance -- I will carry with me great pride in the heritage of our Corps and I will leave behind a trusted team of Ordnance professionals who will be instrumental in preparing the Ordnance Corps for the challenges of the future," he said.
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