Lt. Col. James E. Walker, commander of the 742nd Military Intelligence Battalion, accepts the battalion colors from Col. Karen H. Gibson, 704th MI Brigade commander, during the change of command ceremony Aug. 5 on McGlachlin Parade Field. Walker assu...
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Lt. Col. James E. Walker assumed leadership of the 742nd Military Intelligence Battalion in a change of command ceremony Aug. 5 on McGlachlin Parade Field.
"I look forward to serving with you and your families over the next two years," Walker said. "I am deeply humbled and honored to assume command of the best signals intelligence battalion in the United States Army."
Walker assumed command from Lt. Col. Brandee S. Lockard, who will deploy this month to Al Asad, Iraq as the J2 deputy analysis and production chief after commanding the battalion for more than two years.
At the ceremony Lockard was praised for his accomplishments, which included Department of the Army Professional of the Year and National Security Agency Military Performer of the Year - Enable Category.
"[Lockard's] selfless service and dedication towards the Soldiers [are] unmatched by any of her peers" said Col. Karen H. Gibson, commander of the 704th MI, who served as the ceremony's reviewing officer.
Comprised of three companies, the 742nd MI Battalion is charged with conducting signals intelligence operations and training to deliver cryptologic enterprise capabilities to the Army, Joint and Combined forces. More than 10 percent of the battalion's Soldiers are deployed globally in support of Overseas Contingency Operations.
Walker returns to the brigade after having served here before as the 704th MI Brigade S3 in 2008.
A Virginia native, Walker graduated from Virginia State University where he was commissioned as an armor officer through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps. After completing the Armor Officer Basic Course, he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 68th Armor Regiment in Baumholder, Germany.
In 1998, he transitioned into the Military Intelligence Corps and was first assigned to 3rd Battalion 66 Armor Regiment in Fort Hood, Texas as the battalion S2. He was subsequently assigned as the Brigade S2 for 1st Brigade Combat Team (Raiders), 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized). While assigned as the BDE S2, Walker deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
His next assignment was Fort Belvoir, Va., where he served as aide-de-camp for the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command commander. Walker's most recent assignment was at the U.S. Cyber Command/2nd Army where he served as the chief of intelligence plans.
After the ceremony, a reception for Walker was held at Club Meade.
"I am ecstatic about being back here in the 704th MI Brigade," he said.
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