FORT SHAFTER -- Col. Cleophus Thomas assumed command of the 516th Signal Brigade, from outgoing commander, Col. Scott Baer, during a change of command ceremony on historic Palm Circle, here, July 3.
Thomas received the ceremonial flag in front of a troop formation, which signifies the passing of leadership.
"We are gaining a truly great leader in Cleo. I've heard nothing but great things about his abilities," said Brig. Gen. Janice Haigler, Deputy Commanding General, 311th Signal Command (Theater). "He respects and values his team, and I have no doubt he will bring great ideas and enthusiasm to the organization."
Thomas most recently graduated from the National Defense University, Dwight D. Eisenhower School of National Security and Resource Strategy in Washington D.C with a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy. Prior to that, he was the Signal Corps Branch Chief, Human Resources Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky. From July 2008 to June 2010, Thomas served as the commander of 516th Signal Brigade's subordinate unit, 78th Signal Battalion, located on Camp Zama, Japan.
Baer has been the 516th Signal Brigade commander since July, 2011. His next assignment is at the White House Communications Agency in Washington, DC.
During his tenure with the 516th, Baer oversaw two deployments of the 307th Expeditionary Signal Battalion to Afghanistan, all while maintaining garrison level support.
"It is apparent that Scott and his team have contributed vastly to not only our success, but have gone beyond to set new standards for ourselves and the Signal Regiment," Haigler said.
The brigade's mission is to conduct network operations for theater-based communications systems, networks and enterprise services; and to provide information services.
The 516th Signal Brigade supports U.S. Army-Pacific and includes battalions in Alaska, mainland Japan and Okinawa.
Its five subordinate battalions and Theater Network Operation and Security Center share communications missions across more than 105 million square miles of the Pacific.
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