Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command Change of Command

By John Cummings, USASMDC/ARSTRATDecember 15, 2010

CG
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
CoC
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli passes the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command unit colors to Lt. Gen. Richard P. Formica, left, during a change of command ceremony Dec. 15 at the Bob Jones auditorium at Redstone Arsen... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - Lt. Gen. Richard P. Formica assumed command of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command and the Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense during a ceremony conducted today here.

"I accept today, without reservation, the responsibilities inherent in command of SMDC/ARSTRAT and JFCC-IMD," said Formica during the ceremony.

Besides the command's unique role, Formica also recognized the community, saying, "to the community leaders here today, thank you for your continued support of SMDC/ARSTRAT...Diane and I are excited to join this community and to be on your team."

Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, Army Vice Chief of Staff, hosted the ceremony.

In a separate ceremony before the change of command, Formica was promoted by Chiarelli.

USASMDC/ARSTRAT conducts space and missile defense operations and provides planning, integration, control and coordination of Army forces and capabilities in support of U.S. Strategic Command missions (Strategic Deterrence, Integrated Missile Defense, Space Operations, and Cyberspace Operations); serves as the Army specified proponent for space, high altitude, and ground-based midcourse defense; serves as the Army operational integrator for global missile defense; and conducts mission-related research and development in support of Army Title 10 responsibilities.

Formica served as a special assistant to the chief of staff, United States Army, since December 2009. He was the commander of the Combined Security Transition Command, Afghanistan, in Operation Enduring Freedom from December 2008 to November 2009.

Campbell leaves USASMDC/ARSTRAT after having served as commander since Dec. 18, 2006. Prior to USASMDC/ARSTRAT, he was the chief of staff at USSTRATCOM. Campbell retires with more than 37 years active military service.