The United States Army Priority Air Transport Command (USAPAT) commemorated the service of LTC Andrew DeForest as its outgoing commander and welcomed LTC Ethan Loeffert as the incoming commander in a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, June 25, 2021.

The United States Army Priority Air Transport Command (USAPAT) commemorated the service of LTC Andrew DeForest as its outgoing commander and welcomed LTC Ethan Loeffert as the incoming commander in a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, June 25, 2021.

The United States Army Priority Air Transport Command (USAPAT) commemorated the service of LTC Andrew DeForest as its outgoing commander and welcomed LTC Ethan Loeffert as the incoming commander in a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, June 25, 2021.

The United States Army Priority Air Transport Command (USAPAT) commemorated the service of LTC Andrew DeForest as its outgoing commander and welcomed LTC Ethan Loeffert as the incoming commander in a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, June 25, 2021.

The United States Army Priority Air Transport Command (USAPAT) commemorated the service of LTC Andrew DeForest as its outgoing commander and welcomed LTC Ethan Loeffert as the incoming commander in a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, June 25, 2021.

The United States Army Priority Air Transport Command (USAPAT) commemorated the service of LTC Andrew DeForest as its outgoing commander and welcomed LTC Ethan Loeffert as the incoming commander in a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, June 25, 2021

The United States Army Priority Air Transport Command (USAPAT) commemorated the service of LTC Andrew DeForest as its outgoing commander and welcomed LTC Ethan Loeffert as the incoming commander in a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, June 25, 2021.

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD - The United States Army Priority Air Transport Command (USAPAT) both commemorated the service of LTC Andrew DeForest as its outgoing commander and welcomed LTC Ethan Loeffert as the incoming commander in a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., June 25, 2021.

LTC DeForest, the departing commander, was recognized for his time in command, which was marked by unprecedented challenges of the pandemic. In a farewell address, LTC DeForest thanked his family, CSM Nicholas Beauchamp, and the Soldiers of USAPAT for their service and support.

LTC Loeffert, the incoming commander, arrived at Joint Base Andrews following a previous assignment at the Air Land Sea Application Center at Langley AFB, Va. In his initial remarks to the formation, he emphasized his commitment to continuing the unit’s strong record of excellence.

USAPAT was realigned as part of The Army Aviation Brigade in October 2005. USAPAT’s current organizational structure consists of a Headquarters and Alpha Company at Joint Base Andrews. Its mission is to provide the senior Army leadership and key government officials with fast, long-range and professional executive transportation throughout the world.