304th signal battalion welcomes new commander

By Pfc. Kim, Tae HoonJuly 16, 2009

304th signal battalion welcomes new commander
Lt. Col. Alfred Francis (center) hands the battalion flag to Col. Welton Chase Jr., 1st Signal Brigade commander, transfering command of 304th Signal Battalion to Lt. Col. Arvesta Roberson II during the Change of Command ceremony held in the Camp Sta... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP STANLEY South Korea - Lt. Col. Arvesta "Rob" Roberson II took command of 304th Signal Battalion during a change of command ceremony held July 8 in the Camp Stanley Physical Fitness Center.

Lt. Col. Alfred Francis, outgoing commander, handed the battalion flag to Col. Welton Chase Jr., 1st Signal Brigade commander, who then passed the flag and responsibility of command for 304th battalion to Roberson.

Chase commended Francis for his team leadership as battalion commander.

"Francis is a quiet, proven professional, and a tactical path master who lead by example and cultivated his team to respect one another, take care of each other, and always accomplish their missions," Chase said. "Francis and his great team always found a way to get the job done and take care of their people."

Francis assumed command of the 304th in 2007, and successfully prepared his team for two important training events.

"Under his command, the battalion passed both of the Department of the Army level communication security inspections for conducting emergency deployments and for developing the ability to execute sling load operations," Chase said. "Francis and his team always ensured success."

Francis will be going to Rosslyn, Va. where he will serve as the signal assignment officer.

Roberson, on the other hand, comes from Washington, D.C. His last assignment was as a special assistant to the Director of the Army Chief of Staff. He has held a variety of positions including battalion executive officer, and operations officer in 102nd Signal Battalion.

"Roberson, you are now the commander of this great battalion. I will challenge you to ensure they are trained, equipped, and ready for combat," Chase said. "I trust you will lead them well, and you will accomplish the mission assigned to your unit."

Roberson took the podium and complimented the Soldiers for their outstanding work.

"The 304th, you look great, Roberson said. "Francis and Command Sgt. Maj. Williams have done an outstanding job to prepare you to fight tonight. It is an honor and privilege to stand here today and to serve as a battalion commander of 304th Signal Battalion."

Roberson's vision for the future is to maintain world class command control capability and to enhance the alliance between the U.S. and Korea.

"As a team, we will continue to provide world class command control capability and support the war fighters who maintain a high state of readiness, which will enable us to deploy anywhere, anytime, with flexibility. We will continue to strengthen our Korean - American alliance as well. I look forward to continuing the mission."