CASEY GARRISON, South Korea - A new leader took command of a small contingent of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, U.S. Army Garrison Soldiers, who assist with installation operations during a change of command ceremony May 25 in Casey Garrison's Carey Physical Fitness Center.

Capt. Giovanni Nieves assumed command of the detachment from Capt. Robyn Ackerman, who had been the commander since May 2009. She is being assigned to the 597th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, as the operations officer of a Rapid Port Opening Element at Fort Eustis, Va.

"During Capt. Ackerman's command she has motivated her Soldiers to accomplish all training missions, and myriad of tasks assigned to HHD by both Lt. Col. Meisler and myself," said Lt. Col. Richard Fromm, host officer and commander of Casey Garrison.

"As HHD's commander, her determination and commitment to mission accomplishment is embodied in the professionalism the Soldiers of this fine unit exhibit every day."

Fromm then detailed the detachment's accomplishments under her command. Among them, the unit extended its record of days without an alcohol and drug incident to 950.

HHD also led the headquarters element with 10 commendable accolades during the February 2010 command inspection conducted by the Installation Management Command-Korea. Fromm also commended her for training a combat-ready detachment and ensuring the contract security guards are trained and qualified for garrison operations.

Ackerman thanked Red Cloud Garrison Commander, Col. Larry "Pepper" Jackson, for giving her the opportunity to command "a different type of organization" and Fromm for his mentorship and leadership.

She then paused for 15 seconds to regain her composure before addressing the Soldiers. "To the Soldiers, NCOs and KATUSAs of HHD," she said. "I would like to thank each and every one of you for making me a successful commander. I could not ask for a better unit and hope to serve with you all again."

Nieves, who was born in Bridgeport, Conn., and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor's degree in anthropology, came to Korea to take the mantle of command.

"I truly believe, regardless of the MOS of an officer, taking command is a great milestone in their career," Nieves said. "Both my wife and I are grateful to be given this opportunity."

His previous assignments include assistant adjutant, assistant operations officer and intelligence officer for the 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception), 171st Infantry Brigade, Fort Jackson, S.C. and the executive officer of the Fitness Training Company of the 120th Adjutant General Battalion.

Nieves entered the Army as a specialist and was commission through Officer Candidate School. His other education includes the Military Intelligence Captain's Career Course, Geospatial Intelligence Course and the Tactical Familiarization Intelligence Course.

Among his awards are the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.