Lieutenant Colonel Craig Alia, the incoming commander of 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, salutes the brigade commander during the pass and review portion of the 4/3 Avn., 3rd CAB change of command ceremony, Jan. 27 ...

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. - Soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade gathered Jan. 27, on the flightline at Hunter Army Airfield for a change of command ceremony to say farewell to Lt. Col. Robert Ault and to welcome Lt. Col. Craig Alia.

"Colonel (Don) Galli, Maj. Gen. (Tony) Cucolo, thank you for the opportunity to lead these great Dog-faced Soldiers," said Lt. Col. Alia in his speech during the ceremony. "My promise to you and to them is that I will earn the right to lead them every day."

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Ault spoke on the achievements of 4-3 Avn., Task Force Brawler during their 12-month deployment to Afghanistan. During their deployment the battalion reduced IED events by 75 percent along Highway 1 - a significant road in Afghanistan which allowed for safe passage for both servicemembers and civilians. In addition the battalion conducted more than 100 ground combat platoon operations and responded to 151 troops in contact.

"The Marne Division Soldier is famous across history for acts of heroism and for making a difference," said Lt. Col. Ault during his speech. "The outfit standing in formation today is no different."

As the battalion welcomed Lt. Col. Alia to the Brawler Family, he thanked his predecessor and expressed thanks for being able to command the battalion.

"Task Force Brawler, you look fantastic," said Lt. Col. Alia. "It is an honor to lead this great organization and I look forward to us taking on the challenges ahead."