Soldiers of the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade received a new commander June 12 as Col. William H. Morris handed over the reins of the unit to Col. Joseph A. Bassani, the former Chief of Plans for the United States Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

Morris, who led the 2CAB for the past two years, will move on to the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, as the J-3.

As the event kicked into full swing and honors were given, red roses were presented to Susan Morris, the outgoing brigade commander's wife, and yellow budding roses were presented to the incoming commander's wife, Christine Bassani.

Morris, a UH-60 and AH-64 Apache Longbow pilot, said his farewells as the brigade commander and acknowledged all those who had assisted him during his command. Extending his personal gratitude to Soldiers of all ranks, he shared with the Soldiers his triumphs, trials and lessons learned during his time commanding.

"It has been my distinct honor and privilege to be your commander," he said during his speech.

Bassani, a Springfield, Mass. native, then stepped up to the podium and greeted his new Soldiers, and accepted the challenges, achievements, and judgments that he would have to make while in command.

Bassani is no stranger to Korea, or to the 2ID. He formerly commanded the 2nd Battalion (Air Assault), 2nd Aviation at Camp Stanley.