This is Manning's first time at Fort Huachuca. He was previously assigned to Fort Gordon, Georgia; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; and Fort Shafter, Hawaii, before being assigned to Fort Huachuca.

"Today is truly a bitter sweet day for me as I bid farewell to an outstanding leader and mentor, Command Sergeant Major Ulysses Rayford, and I welcome another great leader whose reputation proceeds him, Command Sergeant Major Dexter Manning," said Col. Wendy Rivers, commander, ISEC. "[Rayford] left a lasting impression on everyone as he mentored, to include me. I am honored to have been your friend, your mentor, your mentee, your battle [buddy], your confidante and your commander.

"To Command Sergeant Major Manning, I challenge you to keep us moving to even greater heights, save our colors when we reach those valleys and hold our colors high when we perch upon the mountain top, because this will be the greatest unit you will have served [with]."

Rayford's farewell remarks included words of thanks for those he had served and worked with.

"It's been a great time," the outgoing command sergeant major said. "I've enjoyed myself, I am leaving here a much better man. And hope that I can serve better, definitely more enlighten and more intellectual. Command Sergeant Major Manning and I served together so this is the first time having a changeover that I actually have known the person. I'm not worried or have any doubt what's going to happen on Monday morning. I know you're going to bring it and the command is going to love you."

ISEC's incoming command sergeant major thanked his mentors and lauded the welcome he received from Fort Huachuca.

"The welcoming integration has been phenomenal," Manning said. "And we greatly appreciate every aspect of generosity. It is reassuring to inherit an organization from a battle buddy.

"You have prepped the battlefield for me to have a great start," he said to Rayford. "We wish you and your family multitudes of success in Germany and wherever life leads you. I know you're going to do great things."