The 11th Signal Brigade commander, Col. Patrick Dedham outgoing command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Major Earl Allen, and the new brigade command sergenat major, Command Sgt. Maj. Maurice Rambert, prepare to march off the field after the transfer of...

Fort Huachuca, AZ. - Command Sgt. Maj. Maurice A. Rambert assumed responsibility as the 11th Signal Brigade command sergeant major Friday during a ceremony on historic Brown Parade Field at 10 a.m.

Rambert, replaced Command Sgt. Maj. Earl B. Allen, who was selected as the next command sergeant major of Network Enterprise Technology Command.

Rambert was most recently assigned as the command sergeant major of the 41st Signal Battalion in Yongsan, Korea.

After the traditional passing of the sword, Col. Patrick Dedham, commander, 11th Signal Brigade, welcomed Rambert to the brigade as he said good-bye to Allen, wishing him well in his next assignment.

The transfer of the noncommissioned officer sword symbolizes the passing of responsibility of the brigade from Allen to Rambert. The sword represents the "cutting edge" of professionalism and the "living spirit" of the organization. Sgt. Maj. Ronald G. Samia, 11th Signal Brigade operations sergeant major and commander of troops for the April 5 ceremony, passed the sword to Allen. Allen then passed it to Dedham, who in turn passed the sword to Rambert.

Rambert then removed the sword from its sheath to inspect the sword before re-sheathing the sword and passing it back to Samia. This completed the cycle, and Rambert officially assumed responsibility of the Soldiers of the 11th Signal Brigade.

"Col. Dedham I look forward to serving with you, to uphold your policies, goals and vision for the mighty Thunderbirds," said Rambert. "Ladies and gentlemen, standing before you are Soldiers of the Army's most prestigious signal brigade the Thunderbirds."

Before the ceremony was complete, Allen shared some final thoughts on his time with the 11th Signal Brigade and how they will always be dear to his heart.

"To the leaders and Soldiers, let there be no mistake," said Allen. "I love the 11th Signal Brigade and I am proud to have been your sergeant major during a critical time in our Army's history."