The 925th Contracting Battalion, Fort Drum, New York, held its change of command ceremony June 5, 2025, where Lt. Col. Desiree Dirige relinquished her responsibilities to Lt. Col. Ronald Thenn at Brown Parade Field, Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

Col. Douglas Ralph (left), 419th Contracting Support Brigade commander, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Ronald Thenn, incoming commander, 925th Contracting Battalion, Fort Drum, New York, as a formal representation of Thenn taking command of the unit during a ceremony held June 5, 2025, at Brown Parade Field, Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

Lt. Col. Desiree Dirige, outgoing commander, 925th Contracting Battalion, Fort Drum, New York, bid farewell to the unit during the change of command ceremony held June 5, 2025, at Brown Parade Field, Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Dirige relinquished command after 18 months of service with the organization.

Lt. Col. Ronald Thenn, commander, 925th Contracting Battalion, Fort Drum, New York, speaks from the podium during the change of command ceremony held June 5, 2025, at Brown Parade Field, Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Thenn assumed command from Lt. Col. Desiree Dirige.

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – The 925th Contracting Battalion, Fort Drum, New York, held its change of command ceremony June 5, 2025, where Lt. Col. Desiree Dirige relinquished her responsibilities to Lt. Col. Ronald Thenn at Brown Parade Field here.

Col. Douglas Ralph, 419th Contracting Support Brigade commander, presided over the ceremony. During his speech, Ralph thanked Dirige and recognized her leadership and commitment to the Soldiers in the unit.

“The 925th team has been a part of so many missions across the world while continuing to complete tasks and missions for Fort Drum Garrison,” Ralph explained. “Everything continues to run smoothly. The team has an incredible culture and behavior about them. Her team is learning, mentoring, developing, and continuing to do everything that we ask of great Soldiers and great units and that is because of her leadership.”

Ralph continued talking about how proud he is of Dirige and how excited he is for her future.

“I couldn’t be more proud of you” said Ralph. “I’m super excited to see what you’re going to do in the future because Senior Service College is only the start for you. It is clear that you will be a brigade commander and continue to be a senior leader as far as you want to go.”

Next, Ralph welcomed Thenn to the team and expressed confidence in Thenn’s ability to lead the command and continue to build on its legacy.

“Lieutenant Colonel Thenn brings a lot of contracting experience with him to the team,” Ralph expressed. “You have a tremendous amount of leadership experience who understands the contracting and acquisitions processes.”

Ralph continued to say how excited he was for Thenn and how he can’t wait to hear where he takes 925th to the next level.

“You’re a remarkable leader with a proven track record, and I know you are going to do an amazing job,” said Ralph. “I can’t wait to see where your leadership takes this incredible organization and how it takes this unit to the next level.”

Following Ralph’s speech, Dirige, the outgoing commander, took the podium and began thanking leadership and her family for their support. She spoke about the profound sense of gratitude and honor she had while in command at 925th CBn.

“Serving as the commander of this contracting battalion has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Dirige said. “Over the past three years, I have been fortunate to work alongside so many exceptional and talented professionals.”

Dirige highlighted the many accomplishments her team achieved during her command over the past three years to include providing support to the battalion’s most recent mission – Joint Task Force Southern Border. She also thanked the team for always being proactive, engaged, and for being the absolute best teammates.

“The work we have accomplished in the past three years is extraordinary – talk about a winning culture,” said Dirige. “While today marks the end of my tenure, it does not mark the end of my admiration and commitment to this team as I will forever hold the 925th and MICC Fort Drum near and dear to my heart.”

Following Dirige’s speech, Thenn, the incoming commander, took the podium and began by thanking the brigade leadership for entrusting him to command the unit and thanking his wife and children for their support throughout his Army career.

Thenn continued by addressing the 925th Contracting Battalion and MICC Fort Drum team with excitement for the opportunity to lead the organization.

“I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to serve alongside each and every one of you,” Thenn said. “You all have a strong reputation of providing world-class contracting support and setting the standard in organizational excellence. I am excited to lead this organization into the future and through whatever challenges may arise.”

Thenn completed his speech with a statement to Brig. Gen. Eric Johnson, 10th Mountain Division Deputy Commander – Support, Fort Drum, New York.

“Brigadier General Eric Johnson, the 10th Mountain Division team, the installation, and the Soldiers, Civilians and Family members of Fort Drum, you all are the reason this organization exists,” Thenn explained. “We will continue to tirelessly work to deliver contracting effects so the Warfighters we support can fight and win.”

The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Army Song and a farewell/welcome reception for the outgoing and incoming commanders.

(Editor’s note: The complete photo album is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/us_army_fort_huachuca/albums/72177720326667146.)

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Fort Huachuca is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command, 2-13th Aviation Regiment, Electronic Proving Ground, Joint Interoperability Test Command and more than 48 supported tenants representing a diverse, multiservice population. Our unique environment encompasses 946 square miles of restricted airspace and 2,500 square miles of protected electronic ranges, key components to the national defense mission.

Located in Cochise County, in southeast Arizona, about 15 miles north of the border with Mexico, Fort Huachuca is an Army installation with a rich frontier history. Established in 1877, the Fort was declared a national landmark in 1976.

We are the Army’s Home. Learn more at https://home.army.mil/huachuca/.