ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Lt. Col. David L. Schmitt assumed command of Anniston Munitions Center July 26 during a ceremony at Anniston Army Depot's Physical Fitness Center.
The ceremony was presided over by Blue Grass Army Depot Commander Col. Brian Rogers. Schmitt comes to Anniston from United States Africa Command headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, where he served as the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Planner.
Lt. Col. Randall DeLong, ANMC commander since July 27, 2010, is transferring to Fort Hood, Texas to assume duties as the III Corps Deputy G4.
"We are reluctant to say goodbye, but we are glad Randy is being replaced by another great Army Soldier," said Rogers.
Rogers outlined many of ANMC's accomplishments over the last two years, including the safety awards garnered by the organization based on their impressive safety record and the certifications ANMC gained and maintained, adding that he knew the munitions center would continue to flourish under Schmitt's command.
"With the support of these employees, you'll overcome the many challenges that lie ahead," Rogers said to Schmitt.
DeLong said the two years of his command at ANMC had passed quickly.
"It seems like I was in this same location, just a couple of weeks ago, taking the reins as commander," he said.
DeLong acknowledged the tough budgetary constraints he saw the organization through, while giving ANMC employees credit for making the munitions center more efficient.
Schmitt also acknowledged ANMC's employees during the ceremony,saying the ceremony may be centered on the two commanders, but it was really all about the unit.
"The passing of the colors is really a recognition that, as commanders come and go, the organization and the mission continue to drive on," said Schmitt.
With approximately 132 government civilians, ANMC has existed in its current state since 1998, when it stood up operations for the first time as a major tenant activity under the name Anniston Defense Munitions Center. Before then, the same operations were conducted under the installation commander in the depot's Directorate of Ammunition.
ANMC, a tenant on the depot, provides receipt, storage, shipment, maintenance, inspection, demilitarization and recycling of conventional ammunition and missiles in support of the warfighter.
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