FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- A bouquet of yellow roses symbolized a new beginning as Soldiers, Families and friends of the 10th Mountain Division (LI) gathered Monday to welcome the new 10th Mountain Division Artillery commander during a ceremony at Magrath Gym.

Col. Thomas C. Hawn, his wife Christine and their son Ethan were welcomed by the DIVARTY and the 10th Mountain Division during an assumption of command ceremony to officially pass the mantle of command from Lt. Col. Edward "Fritz" Keel, deputy DIVARTY commander, to Hawn.

The DIVARTY, affectionately known as Mountain Thunder, was reactivated at Fort Drum in October 2015. In that time, Soldiers have provided oversight and continuity for the field artillery battalions of the 10th Mountain Division and cultivated relationships with their National Guard counterparts.

"One of the best moments I had at DIVARTY was establishing the relationship with 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery, Boston, Mass., as part of the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the associated unit with the 10th Mountain Division," Keel said before the ceremony.

Keel served as the acting DIVARTY commander in anticipation of Hawn's arrival. He will resume his role as deputy DIVARTY commander now that Hawn has taken the reins of Mountain Thunder.

Following military tradition, Maj. Gen. Jeffrey L. Bannister, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commander; Hawn and Maj. Benjamin L. Sass, the commander of troops, "trooped the line" to inspect the DIVARTY Soldiers in preparation for the transfer of command. In days past, "trooping the line" enabled the Soldiers to physically identify their leader and allowed the commander to personally observe and evaluate his Soldiers and equipment, to judge for himself the capability to successfully engage in battle.

Keel and Command Sgt. Maj. Dwalyn E. Dasher, DIVARTY senior enlisted adviser, joined Bannister and Hawn for the passing of the colors. Dasher passed the colors to Keel for the last time in a final show of deference to his authority. Keel then passed the colors to Bannister, relinquishing his responsibility and authority of the DIVARTY. Bannister passed the colors to Hawn, charging the new commander with the same responsibilities and authority. Hawn finally passed the colors back to Dasher, entrusting them to his care as the senior enlisted member of the DIVARTY.

During his remarks, Bannister thanked Keel and his Family for stepping up to the challenge of commanding the DIVARTY and taking care of its Soldiers and Families. Bannister lauded Keel's "committed, caring and competent leadership," of Mountain Thunder and expressed his gratitude to be keeping the Keels on the DIVARTY team.

Bannister continued his remarks, welcoming Hawn and his Family to the 10th Mountain team.

"They may be new to the North Country, but they bring with them a wealth of leadership and experience," Bannister said, adding that Hawn's leadership will enhance the combat readiness and effectiveness of the DIVARTY Soldiers as they prepare for their next mission.

As Hawn took to the podium, he thanked everyone in attendance for their support, expressing his disappointment that his mother could not join them for the ceremony.

He continued, saying the Army must have a sense of humor in placing a Georgia native in the snowy clutches of Fort Drum in winter, adding it was also a bit of a "homecoming," as his father was born in Watertown and moved south during the Great Depression.

Hawn spoke to the Soldiers of Mountain Thunder, saying he and his Family were "very proud and humbled" to join the ranks of the DIVARTY. He praised the efforts of Keel and his staff and promised to build upon the standards they have firmly established.

"To accomplish all of this with such effectiveness is clearly the work of outstanding Soldiers, strong Families and competent leaders," Hawn said.

He concluded by thanking Keel and expressing his enthusiasm for working with the DIVARTY Family.

After his remarks, Hawn took his place in front of the troops singing the 10th Mountain Division and Army songs, granting permission to retire the colors and formally concluding the ceremony.