ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command unfurled its color Oct. 22 at a ceremony marking the official arrival of CECOM to Aberdeen Proving Ground.
The uncasing of the CECOM color, symbolizes "...not only our new presence here, but also the continuity of mission, of vision, of people and purpose of the United States Army Communications-Electronics Command, or simply, CECOM," said Maj. Gen. Randolph P. Strong, CECOM commander, in his remarks at the ceremony.
The CECOM Logistics and Readiness Center color guard opened the ceremony with the national anthem echoing in the courtyard of the new command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance Center of Excellence campus. CECOM and C4ISR partner organization personnel were in attendance to witness the start of a new chapter for their command teams.
As part of the Army's implementation of Base Realignment and Closure legislation passed by Congress in 2005, CECOM is in the final phases of its relocation from Fort Monmouth, N.J., to APG. With the completion of the construction of the first phase of the C4ISR Center of Excellence, the Army's C4ISR Materiel Enterprise comprised of CECOM and partner organizations will now be co-located at the $800 million, 2.5 million square-foot campus.
The APG Garrison leadership, Maryland state, and Harford county officials presented CECOM with symbols of the state in a gesture of welcome during the ceremony. Maryland Secretary of Higher Education Dr. James E. Lyons Sr., expressed his sentiment on the new partnership between CECOM and Maryland colleges and universities. Lyons stated that Maryland's institutions of higher education are committed to providing the educational services to prepare the CECOM workforce for the future.
Lyons, on behalf of Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, read and presented a proclamation naming Oct. 22, 2010, CECOM day in the state of Maryland. The state flag presented at the ceremony was recently flown over the state capitol building as a symbol of welcome to the command.
David Craig, Harford County Executive, presented the county flag also as a welcome symbol as well a proclamation of CECOM Day in the county.
Strong offered his appreciation for all the support extended to his command during its relocation.
"On behalf of our command and the entire U.S. Army, I want to thank the greater Aberdeen Proving Ground community, the state of Maryland, and all of our neighbors from far and wide who've welcomed us so warmly here," said Strong. "We look forward to many decades of continuing friendship and mutual support."
Now that CECOM is located at APG, the command will contribute to the installation's transformation efforts in becoming the Army's hub for science and technology.
"We bring a proud command heritage and look forward to helping Aberdeen Proving Ground transform into a beacon of science and technology for the Army and the region," said Strong during his remarks. C4ISR organizations showcased various capabilities and equipment in the new campus courtyard and new command auditorium for attendees to peruse. On display in the courtyard were the AN/TPQ-36 counter mortar radar, the lightweight counter mortar radar and the TROJAN signal warfare system.
"We plan to use this campus as a catalyst for changing the way we do business," said Strong. "We will nurture a collaborative working environment to develop, acquire, provide and sustain world-class C4ISR systems."
Part of that collaborative work environment entails a domain organizational structure to maximize synergy among the Army C4ISR Materiel Enterprise organizations by centrally locating them according to their similar functions. The intent is to position functional areas, or 'domains,' together to better track products through their entire life cycles, from concept to combat, Michael Vetter, CECOM director (G4), Logistics and Engineering, has said.
"For example, we positioned all personnel who work with sensors together so the 'sustainers' can have dialogue with the 'R&D experts'," Vetter said. "This will provide better communication avenues between the organizations and ultimately deliver a better product to the Warfighter faster."
CECOM is one of six organizations that make up the Army's C4ISR Materiel Enterprise. The enterprise is a subset of the Army's Materiel Enterprise; one of four Army Enterprises, which also include: Human Capital; Readiness; and Services and Infrastructure. The Materiel Enterprise is co-chaired by the Army Materiel Command and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, commonly referred to as ASA/ALT.
AMC organizations include: CECOM; the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center; and the CECOM Contracting Center. ASA/ALT provides three Program Executive Offices to the team including the PEOs for Command, Control, Communications-Tactical; for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors; and for Enterprise Information Systems.
As with any organizational move, CECOM is reconstituting its workforce. An estimated 50 percent of the Fort Monmouth civilian workforce has decided to relocate to APG, according to the CECOM G1 (Directorate of Personnel and Training).
With more than 2,000 personnel already here, more than 7,200 civilian, military and contractor positions dedicated to the C4ISR Materiel Enterprise mission will eventually reside at APG by late next summer, according to CECOM G1 officials.
Strong emphasized that people and their commitment and dedication have been CECOM's most important asset as the command goes through this transition.
"Throughout the turbulence and challenges of base closure and realignment, we have never failed to meet our mission to support our nation's warfighters," he said.
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