From left, Col. Orlando Ortiz, APG Garrison and deputy installation commander, passes the Garrison colors to Capt. Maritzabel Mustafaa, incoming commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Garrison, during the unit's Change of Command ceremony at Top of...

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - June 1 brought a transition in leadership for the APG Garrison's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, as Capt. Malikah McCormick ceded leadership of the unit to Capt. Maritzabel Mustafaa during a Change of Command ceremony at Top of the Bay.

APG Garrison and Deputy Installation Commander, Col. Orlando Ortiz, led the Passing of the Company Colors from McCormick to Mustafaa. He said McCormick embraced every opportunity during her 15 months as company commander, and he welcomed Mustafaa as a "highly recommended" officer who will fill the shoes of Capt. McCormick and "lead the legacy of HHC."

"Welcome to the team," he told Mustafaa.

McCormick thanked HHC and Garrison staff members, her Family and most notably, 1st Sgt. Sonya Jackson, who she called "the most loyal person on earth."

"APG has been a huge part of my professional Army career," she said. "I thank God and I thank you all."

Mustafaa said she was "truly honored and privileged" to lead the HHC Garrison and thanked Ortiz for the opportunity as well as 20th Support Command (CBRNE) and 22d Chemical Battalion team members for their support.

"I look forward to supporting the headquarters team and leading the unit to accomplish the HHC mission," she said.

Guests of the program included APG Installation and CECOM commander Maj. Gen. Robert S. Ferrell and Installation Command Sgt. Maj. Kennis Dent.

The program included the invocation by Chaplain (Maj.) Jonathan Morse and the singing of the national anthem by Courtney Payne of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command.

Capt. Maritzabel Mustafaa

Mustafaa enlisted in the U.S. Army in April 1998 as a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) specialist. She rose to the rank of sergeant first class before she was commissioned through Officer Candidate School (OCS) in January 2008.

Mustafaa holds a master's degree in Environmental Management from Webster University and a bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management from Park University.

Her awards and decorations include the Meritorious, Army Commendation, Army Achievement, Kosovo Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Service medals. Her past assignments include Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Camp Casey, Korea, Fort Stewart, Ga., Germany and Kosovo.

Mustafaa is married to retired 1st Sgt. Khalid Mustafaa. They have two children, ages 11 and 2.