The colors of Headquarters and Headquarters Company were unfurled Jan. 19, activating the unit as a new subordinate of the U.S. Army Cyber Command/2nd Army.
In a brief ceremony at McGill Training Center, Maj. Gen. Rhett A. Hernandez, commanding general of the U.S. Army Cyber Command/2nd Army, welcomed Capt. Lucas C. Sparks, commanding officer of HHC, to the Army cyber family.
"While some might think that cyber is about technology, people are the centerpiece of all we do," Hernandez said in his remarks. "The Soldiers, civilians, contractors and families of Army Cyber/2nd Army, regardless of duty, position, or location, all play an invaluable role in the accomplishment of our mission."
Guests at the ceremony included the Director of the Army Cyber Space Operations and Integration Center Col. Mark Quantock; Installation Commander Col. Daniel L. Thomas; Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Mike W. Watkins; and U.S. Army Cyber Command/2nd Army Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Blackwood.
The activation of HHC is a continuation of U.S. Army Cyber Command/2nd Army's mission. The command is one of four joint service cyber components of the U.S. Cyber Command, which was established in May 2010 and is led by Gen. Keith B. Alexander, director of the National Security Agency.
U.S. Cyber Command is tasked with centralizing the command of cyberspace operations, strengthening Department of Defense cyberspace capabilities, and integrating and bolstering DoD's cyber expertise.
The Army activated the U.S. Army Cyber Command/2nd Army in October 2010. Its mission is to plan, coordinate, integrate, synchronize, direct and conduct network operations and defense of all Army networks.
Hernandez said HHC is central to the command and is responsible for its administrative and logistical support.
"HHC provides personnel, training and logistical support to our people and enables our team to focus on the mission," Hernandez said. "Captain Luke Sparks is up to the task."
Prior to assuming command of HHC, Sparks was commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery at Fort Hood, Texas, where he served for two years.
In his remarks, the captain called his position "new and exciting," and that he and HHC 1st Sgt. Scottie Jarrett would work together to "build a first-class organization."
Earlier in the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Frazier Hannah of U.S. Army Cyber Command gave the invocation, and flowers were presented to Sparks' wife, Tori, and Jarrett's wife, Katrina. A reception at McGill followed the event.
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