FORT STEWART, GA -- The 3rd Infantry Division's Combat Aviation Brigade changed its commander in a ceremony, Aug. 28 at Trustcott Air Terminal on Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga.
Colonel Donald Galli, who previously served as the commander of 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment at Fort Campbell, Ky., before attending the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I., replaced Col. Daniel Ball as the 3rd CAB commander.
"Soldiers of the Combat Aviation Brigade, you look great," said Galli during the change of command ceremony. "I am proud to join your ranks. Your reputation for excellence is well known and well deserved. I look forward to serving with you and your Families as we prepare for the future.
Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo the 3rd Infantry Division's commanding general, hosted the change of command. Cucolo recognized the brigade's accomplishments during the recent deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Ball took command of the CAB in June 2006, leading the brigade through training, preparation and deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraq Freedom.
During the CAB's deployment, the brigade completed more than 250 air assaults, resulting in numerous arrests and captures, and executed 5,700 MEDEVAC missions supporting Coalition Forces, Iraqi Army and local nationals. The brigade was also responsible for destroying 146 enemy vehicles, 173 boats, 248 structures and 45 weapons systems.
The brigade accounted for 64 percent of the Multi-National Division - Center enemy killed in action and more than 80 wounded in action. More than 34,300 rockets and 800 missiles were expended during the deployment. The brigade moved 205,000 personnel and 21 million pounds of cargo around the battlefield.
Ball credited the Soldiers within the brigade for the results of their deployment.
"Never has a command had the quality of people surrounding him than what I had in the CAB," said Ball in his speech. "I learned this lesson long ago with Brigadier General Sinclair: build a good team; they know you are the commander, so empower them to run the brigade."
Command Sgt. Maj. Rick Stidley said Galli's military experience brings a new point of view.
"He comes from the 101st (Airborne Division) bringing a lot of war fighting experience and it's something we need in the brigade," said Stidley. "I look forward to working with him during his time here with us."
Three awards were presented to Ball. The first, Master Aviation Badge, signifying 15 years and 2,000 flight hours was presented by retired Army Brig. Gen. E.J. Sinclair. The second award, the Silver Order of St. Michael, an award for the embodiment of courage, justice and gallantry, was also presented by Sinclair.
The third, a Legion of Merit, awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements was presented by Cucolo.
Ball will be taking a position at Forces Command based at Fort McPherson in Atlanta where he will serve as the G-3 Aviation.
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