Regulators host change of command

FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. – 2nd Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment Regulators welcomed Lt. Col. Lisa Becker during a change of command ceremony with Lt. Col. Kent Monas held June 11 at Nicka Hall Hangar, Libby Army Airfield.

Col. Jason Woodward, commander, 1st Aviation Brigade, Fort Rucker, Alabama (formerly Fort Novosel), presided over the ceremony. During his opening remarks, Woodward said Monas’s leadership will be missed and thanked him for his leadership.

“[Monas], the entire Brigade and Army Aviation will certainly miss you, your engaged leadership, your innovation, and your energy,” Woodward said. “[…] know that the Regulators and Army Aviation are better today than the day you took command. You have trained and mentored them well, and I am honored to have served alongside you.”

Woodward then welcomed Becker and her family and told her to continue building on the foundation that was built before her.

“[Becker] understands the honored task of forging aviation war fighters and will have an incredible impact on Army Aviation,” Woodward said. “Continue to improve on the foundation that was established before her and find innovative ways to train and inspire the next generation of aviator warfighters, and I look forward to serving alongside [Becker].”

Following Woodward’s speech, Monas thanked everyone in attendance and thanked Command Sgt. Maj. David Garcia and team for their hard work and executing a professional ceremony.

Monas continued by thanking the leadership he has worked with from Fort Rucker and Fort Huachuca. He also thanked the Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians, and contractors who work for the battalion.

“I’ve been blessed to serve with outstanding Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians, and contract teammates of 2-13th,” Monas said. “The people of this organization are what make it a special place.”

Before concluding his speech, Monas welcomed Becker and her family to the Regulator team and said to reach out if she needs anything.

“[Becker], your wealth of experience is just what the Regulator team needs during this time of rapid transformation,” Monas said. “[…] I hope you get as much enjoyment and reward out of this command as I did. It was great to get to know you over the past few weeks, and I wish you God speed.”

Monas concluded his speech by once again thanking all members of the organization.

“Thank you for your dedication to building the world’s best [Uncrewed Aircraft Systems] warfighters,” Monas said. “Your work is vitally important, and I know that it will bring victory and save American Soldiers’ lives on future battlefields.”

Following the speech from Monas, Becker took to the podium and thanked Garcia and all other organization leaders for “their time and dedication” put toward executing the change of command ceremony.

Becker continued by thanking Monas for the smooth transition process as she was preparing to take command.

“Thank you, [Monas], and your team of professional leaders, NCOs, and Army civilian professionals, for an amazing transition,” Becker said. “You have created an organizational climate that is both resilient and energized for change and innovation.”

Becker concluded her speech by saying she and her husband are looking forward to this opportunity.

“My husband and I are thankful and excited for this opportunity to be a part of the Aviation Center of Excellence, the Fort Huachuca community, and the 2-13th family,” Becker said. “All policies and procedures remain in effect. Above the best, Golden Hawks, swift and deadly, Regulator Six signing in.”

The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Aviation Song, the Army Song, and a pass and review with the Soldiers from the organization.

(Editor’s note: The complete photo album is available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/us_army_fort_huachuca/albums/72177720326788162/.)

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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/.