Col. Jason W. Schultz, incoming Watervliet Arsenal commander, shared his appreciation for the work that the men and women of America’s cannon and mortar factory do each day during his remarks at the 63rd change of command held on July 25, 2024.

Incoming Watervliet Arsenal Commander Col. Jason W. Schultz, center, receives the Watervliet Arsenal colors from U.S. Tank-automotive & Armaments Command commanding general Brig. Gen. Michael Lalor, left, during the 63rd change of command ceremony held here July 25, 2024. The passing of the colors symbolizes the passing of command from the outgoing commander Col. Alain Fisher, right, to Schultz.

WATERVLIET ARSENAL, N.Y. July 25, 2024 – Col. Jason Schultz became Watervliet Arsenal’s 64th commander during a change of command ceremony at the Army cannon and mortar factory on Thursday, July 25.

Outgoing commander Col. Alain Fisher relinquished command of the arsenal after completing his two-year tour, which began on July 22, 2022.

U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command commanding general, Brig. Gen. Michael Lalor, oversaw the transfer of authority and highlighted Fisher’s leadership and accomplishments during his remarks.

“This organization delivers, and it has delivered tremendously; its quality is widely known,” Lalor said. “Alain Fisher’s leadership has been second to none, and it has led us to where we are today.”

Lalor added that Fisher led Watervliet Arsenal through securing more than $1.7 billion in funding over the next decade aimed at modernizing the 211-year-old manufacturing facility’s infrastructure, machines, and equipment. Fisher also oversaw an increase in production to meet demand spurred on by the conflict in Europe.

“What we do is deliver material readiness and we solve problems for the Army, that is what TACOM does,” Lalor said. “Watervliet Arsenal plays a huge and important role in that mission and has been doing so since 1813.”

Beyond cannon and mortar production, Fisher initiated many efforts to improve the quality of life for the arsenal’s Army Civilian workforce. Those efforts included realigning the WVA Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation with Picatinny Arsenal’s program, increasing food options through bringing on private food trucks, reopening the post restaurant now aptly named the 1813 Kitchen & Market, and converting unused tennis courts to the popular growing sport pickleball.

Fisher reflected on his time as commander of Watervliet Arsenal during his outgoing remarks.

“This opportunity has let me grow as an Army sustainment leader, enabling me to connect with the community and allowing me to share my lifelong Army story along the way,” Fisher said. “It has let me learn about what it takes to manufacture and deliver the highest quality cannon and mortar systems from experts standing right out in the field; all while delivering them at the speed of need in support of rapidly emerging and changing requirements.”

Fisher credited the arsenal workforce for ramping up production to meet new requirements, including developing and producing the Army’s newest direct-fire weapon system, the 105mm M35 cannon used on the newest Army combat vehicle, the M10 Booker.

Lalor expressed his confidence in Schultz, citing Schultz’s previous role in the U.S. Army’s Transportation Command and their common bond of having served in the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y.

“Jason has a wonderful background as the torch passes here today, a lot of tremendous operational experience and service to our nation,” Lalor said. “He is ready, no one is more ready to take this baton and keep this moving than Jason is.”

Schultz thanked Lalor for the opportunity to lead Watervliet and Fisher for his leadership over the past 24 months. Schultz expressed his appreciation for the work that the Army Civilian workforce at WVA does.

“To the outstanding professionals of Watervliet Arsenal, thank you for all the amazing work you do across the installation, from manufacturing lethal combat systems, to ensuring quality standards and working with our customers to meet their needs, to protecting us, to keeping all the administrative details in order,” Schultz said. “Every single one of you is critical and I am honored to work for you.”

Fisher leaves Watervliet Arsenal to assume his new role with the G-4, U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Liberty, N.C.

Watervliet Arsenal is an Army-owned-and-operated manufacturing facility and is the oldest continuously active arsenal in the United States, having begun operations during the War of 1812. Today's arsenal is relied upon by the U.S. and foreign militaries to produce the most advanced, high-tech, high-powered weaponry for cannons, howitzers, and mortar systems.