Public Health Activity - Rheinland Pfalz hosts virtual change of command ceremony

SEMBACH, Germany -- Public Health Activity - Rheinland Pfalz conducted a virtual change of command ceremony with Lt. Col. Brianna Perata, the activity’s outgoing commander, and Lt. Col. Nicole Charbonneau, the activity’s incoming commander.

“What I love about our Army is how this massive organization takes people of all races, genders, religions, backgrounds, people from all walks of life and melds them to create the most dominant force,” said Perata. “And that’s exactly what happened here. The Army took this Nurse Corps Officer and placed her with an amazing team of veterinarians, vet techs and food inspectors.”

To maintain physical distancing and minimize the risk of spreading the virus, the change of command was conducted in a private ceremony at Sembach Kaserne with just the participants and was broadcast virtually.

“Lt. Col. Brianna Perata’s efforts were laser-focused on her very diverse group of Soldiers, civilians and local national employees that make up the North Knights team,” said Col. Brian Spangler, the commander for Public Health Command Europe. “She led them to soar to new heights in a variety of areas under her leadership.”

By adhering to COVID-19 guidelines and limiting social gatherings, leadership ensured readiness all while protecting the force in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“For the past 20 years, I've been a part of our country's amazing Army....an Army that provides strength and a palpable presence amidst times of crisis. Public Health Activity - Rheinland Pfalz North Knights are no different,” said Perata, who leaves for the National War College in Washington D.C.

Charbonneau comes to PHA-RP from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center where she most recently served as the chief of the Nutrition Care Division.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside the Soldiers and civilians of Public Health Activity - Rhineland Pfalz,” said Charbonneau.

According to Charbonneau, officers, warrant officers, Soldiers and civilians of the Veterinary Corps directly impacted the Medical Nutrition Therapy she provided as a military dietitian in garrison and deployed hospitals.

“The Corps ensures that the food we provide is safe and wholesome,” added Charbonneau. “This is extremely important not only in preventing food borne illness in immune compromised patients, but also in ensuring ongoing readiness across formations.“

PHA-RP provides Food Safety and Defense, Animal Medicine, and Zoonotic Disease Surveillance from nine branches within Germany and Belgium.

PHA-RP's mission is to provide public health and veterinary medical services in support of EUCOM, AFRICOM, and CENTCOM to enable readiness, conserve the fighting strength, and protect the health of those they are privileged to serve.

For more information follow “Public Health Command Europe” on Facebook.