FORT GORDON, GA (August 21, 2012) - Brig. Gen. John B. Morrison, Jr., assumed command of 7th Signal Command (Theater) from Col. John B. Hildebrand during a ceremony at Alexander Hall here today.
Morrison is reporting here from the Army Staff in Washington, D.C. He will be the third commanding general of 7th SC(T) since it was re-activated in 2008.
Colonel Hildebrand, deputy commander, assumed command of 7th SC(T) from Maj. Gen. LaWarren V. Patterson during an assumption of command ceremony here July 14. Hildebrand will continue to serve the command as the deputy commanding officer.
Morrison praised Hildebrand for serving as 7th SC(T) commander and thanked him for his outstanding leadership.
In his remarks, Maj. Gen. Alan R. Lynn, commanding general, Network Enterprise Technology Command, said Morrison has precisely the right qualifications to lead the command of more than 5,700 Soldiers and government Civilians who serve 7th SC(T) across the Western Hemisphere.
"I have known him a long time, and worked with him in two combat operations," Lynn said. "He is a proven leader in the Signal Corps, and his reputation for excellence is unparalleled."
Morrison accepted the 7th Signal Command colors from Lynn during the ceremony, signifying the official assumption of command. He charged the people of 7th SC(T) to take care of each other as they take care of the command's technical mission.
"Our job, while technical in nature, is ultimately all about people," he said. "While everything we do is about accomplishing the mission, you cannot accomplish the mission without a great team; none of us thrive, survive or excel on our own so that means we have to look out for each other."
The new CG emphasized that the command's mission is critical.
"In today's world, if you are not connected, you are not relevant or useful," he said. "Not being connected at the crucial time can mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield, between mission failure and mission success."
Morrison stressed that the command team is engaged in operations around the clock and throughout the year as he underscored that the world changes quickly. He challenged the command to anticipate, be comfortable with, and lead change.
"I'm extremely grateful that the Army has entrusted me with the responsibility to lead the Army's premier signal command," said Morrison. "I promise to do my very best for the fantastic people, and their families, who make up this great team."
He also said that he and his wife, Ann, look forward to being on the 7th SC(T) team "as we live and work in the CSRA [Central Savannah River Area] and Augusta communities."
Through its three theater strategic signal brigades, Network Enterprise Centers at each Army installation in the continental United States, and two Theater Network Operations and Security Centers, 7th Signal Command delivers critical IT solutions, capabilities, and services to the Army, supporting war fighting, generating forces, and intergovernmental, interagency and civil authorities.
Morrison received his commission through ROTC at James Madison University in Virginia where he graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, majoring in marketing. He also holds a Master of Science Degree in Telecommunications Management from Webster University and a Master of Strategic Resourcing from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF).
His military education includes Signal Officer Basic Course, Officer Advanced Course, the Tactical Signal Officer's Staff Course, and the Advanced Airborne (Jumpmaster) School. In addition to ICAF, BG Morrison is also a graduate of both the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) and the Joint Forces Staff College.
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