CECOM holds relinquishment of command ceremony, Edmonson retires

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. —The U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command hosted a relinquishment of command ceremony, saying farewell to Maj. Gen. Robert L. Edmonson II, the outgoing commanding general of CECOM and senior commander of APG, during a ceremony at the Myer Auditorium June 7, 2024.

Edmonson, who has served more than 33 years in the Army, also formally retired in front of friends, family, colleagues, and community leaders.

Edmonson assumed duties as the 17th commander of CECOM and senior commander of APG on Aug. 6, 2021. In this position, he served as the U.S. Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and medical materiel integrator. He enabled the U.S. Army’s warfighting readiness by providing sustainable global C5ISR and medical materiel support.

In front of a packed audience of well-wishers, Edmonson relinquished the colors to Lt. Gen. Christopher O. Mohan, the acting commanding general of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, who presided over the ceremony. Mohan then passed the colors to CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Conaty, signifying trust and confidence in the Non-Commissioned Officer Corps.

Leading by example

Mohan complimented Edmonson on his ability to lead during uncertain times. Edmonson assumed responsibility of CECOM on the heels of a global pandemic when the country was facing massive supply chain issues, and the world was just a few months away from the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine war, Mohan explained.

“Rob took charge and led by example, and what he and his team have accomplished has been nothing short of phenomenal,” Mohan said.

The ability to shoot, move, and communicate is paramount for every Soldier, and the U.S. Army heavily depends on CECOM to be able to all three, Mohan said. In addition to leading the CECOM workforce, Edmonson also strengthened APG’s relationship with the surrounding community as the APG senior commander.

“It is safe to say you made us shoot better, move better, communicate better, and you built better communities,” he said. “On behalf of the Soldiers who depend on what you do here, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to you and the entire CECOM team.”

Celebrating more than 33 years of service 

Retired Gen. Dennis Via, who served as CECOM’s 11th commander from 2007 to 2009, presided over the retirement portion of the ceremony. Via called it a “full circle moment” because he welcomed Edmonson to the 82nd Signal Battalion (Airborne) when he was a lieutenant colonel, and Edmonson was a first lieutenant.

Via said Edmonson leads with compassion and humility. His legacy will live on. He thanked him for all he did for the U.S. Army Signal Corps, U.S. Army, and the nation.

“Rob, you can depart the Army ranks today with confidence, knowing you leave behind a generation of leaders you personally developed and inspired,” he said.

Via presented Edmonson with a governor’s citation from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore; a Certificate of Appreciation from U.S. President Joseph Biden; the Department of the Army Certificate of Retirement; and a retirement pin. Via presented Edmonson’s wife, Ellen, with the DA Certificate of Appreciation. Conaty presented Edmonson with the U.S. flag.

Saying farewell

Edmonson shared reflections on his life and career with the audience. He attributed his success to family, friends, mentors, and Army leaders who helped shape his life positively. Throughout his career, one piece of advice that stuck with him, he said, was to “choose the hard right over the easy wrong.”

“I am proud to say I didn’t get here by myself,” he said. “I am proud to say my village played a vital role in making me the man I have become.”

Edmonson thanked the dedication of the CECOM workforce and CECOM and APG leadership. He always aimed to inspire people to do their best.

“My Army career was never about me; it was always about being a part of a team of highly prepared, supremely outfitted professionals who share a common set of values, common bond and have pledged themselves in supporting and defending the constitution,” he said.

Edmonson said he is confident that future generations of Soldiers will continue to hold the banner of freedom high as a beacon for the world.

“But make no mistake, they will hold that banner high because of the villages that they come from,” he said.

Edmonson said during retirement, he looks forward to spending time with family and moving into their forever home in Florida. He thanked his wife and their two sons for their sacrifices they made as a military family, so that he could serve the country.

For more photos, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cecom/albums/72177720317692292/

To view a video of the ceremony, visit https://www.facebook.com/APGMd/.