Col. Steven L. Hite, left, the outgoing 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment commander, accepts the organization's colors from Sgt. Maj. Richard E. Larson, the 19th BCD sergeant major, during a change of command ceremony at the Officer's Club on ...

Maj. Gen. Richard C. Longo, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Europe, speaks during the 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment change of command ceremony at the Officer's Club on Ramstein Airbase June 18. The ceremony welcomed Col. Richard...

RAMSTEIN-MEISENBACH, Germany - Col. Steven L. Hite relinquished command of the 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment to Col. Richard P. Ullian during a change of command ceremony at the Officer's Club on Ramstein Airbase June 18.

The change of command ceremony proceeded in accordance with U.S. Army tradition and heritage through the passing of the unit colors. Sgt. Maj. Richard E. Larson, the 19th BCD sergeant major, passed the colors to Hite to symbolize his last act of allegiance to the outgoing commander. Hite passed the colors to Maj. Gen. Richard C. Longo, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Europe, to symbolize his relinquishment of command to the higher command. Longo then passed the colors to Ullian, symbolizing the entrustment of command to the incoming commander.

The passing of colors concluded when Ullian passed the colors back to Larson, symbolizing that the organization's colors stay with the Soldiers. Each of the leaders received an opportunity to speak after the passing of the colors.

"Today we farewell an outstanding commander, Col. Steven Hite," Longo said. "I asked Steve if there was any particular accomplishment of his he wanted me to highlight, and he was very clear in his reply. He said, 'Focus on the accomplishments of my Soldiers and leaders, Focus on their families and focus on my family -- the credit belongs to them.'"

Hite took command of the 19th BCD in June 2012. During his tenure, the unit assisted with every major training exercise in Europe including Sabre Guardian, Sabre Strike, Austere Challenge, Juniper Cobra and Judicious Response.

"I am so proud of the accomplishments of the 19th BCD and its Soldiers," Hite said. "This organization has grown so much through the many training opportunities and international exercises they are a part of."

Ullian comes to the 19th BCD from the Pentagon, where he served as the special assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. He expressed his feelings on taking command before the ceremony.

He said he is excited to be a part of this organization and its valuable and challenging mission.He went on to say the organization is a great group of Soldiers that are part of a larger partnership with the Air Force and international counterparts.