U.S. ARMY GARRISON-KWAJALEIN ATOLL, Republic of the Marshall Islands -- Lt. Col. Humberto Jones officially assumed command of Reagan Test Site in a ceremony July 16 at Island Memorial Chapel at U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll.
The range director of the Reagan Test Site is trustee of an internationally significant mission. He is responsible for the command, operation and modernization of a world class range--to test strategic and theater missile systems and support space operations.
He also serves as the vital link between the forward element of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile
Test Site in Kwajalein Atoll and the stateside element located in Huntsville, Ala. Finally, he serves
as an advisor to the USAG-KA commander on all matters concerning the day-to-day activities and operations of the Range.
Kwajalein Range Services Community Services manager Kim Yarnes acted as the master of ceremonies and welcomed members of the USAG-KA command, community and distinguished visitors to the ceremony.
The audience stood for the arrival of the official party, which consisted of Jones and Richard DeFatta, director, Emerging Technology Directorate, Technical Center, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command.
They remained standing for the national anthems of the United States and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Rev. Victor Langhans read aloud the invocation.
A traditional bouquet of yellow roses was presented to Jones' wife, Dorris, by Mika Weiland, serving as a gift welcoming her to the command. A Marshallese wut was offered to Dorris by host nation liaison Michael Sakaio, signifying the new bond between the wife of the range director and the community.
DeFatta greeted the audience and distinguished visitors, welcoming and thanking them for attending the ceremony that morning. He reminisced about when he lived and worked at USAG-KA 17 years ago. Since his arrival this week, he said he has noticed a lot has changed--most notably the population--but a lot has remained the same: USAG-KA still has world class capabilities to support space and missile defense.
DeFatta then concentrated on Jones, welcoming his family--Dorris, son, Humberto, and daughter, Gabby--to the Kwaj family. He read through Jones' professional biography, listing the many assignments that have led to his assumption of command here at RTS. He specifically pointed out his experience as a contracting officer, which will tie in to his work here at the Range.
DeFatta wrapped up his remarks and presented Jones with the Charter of the Reagan Test Site Range, which is a token from the command and serves as a reminder of the strategic importance of the position in which he will now be assuming.
Jones accepted the charter and stepped up to the podium to address the audience as the RTS director.
"I am honored by the opportunity to lead the RTS Range, an organization that has a remarkable history of service to our nation," he said.
Jones thanked his family for joining him on this journey and for their love and support. He also thanked USAG-KA Commander Col. Nestor Sadler and the rest of the command team for such a warm welcome. Thanks were also extended to DeFatta and Marty Sargent, director of RTS, for their leadership, coaching, teaching, mentorship and confidence in his abilities to lead the Range during times of limited resources.
"To all of our teammates on Kwajalein Atoll, I look forward to working with everyone," Jones said. "You and your families have sacrificed so much for the defense of our nation. You are driven by a higher calling. A calling that makes you mission focused, resilient and dedicated to the principles that make America great. A calling that tells everyone around the world that we, as Americans, united with our partners in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, will do whatever it takes to keep America and our allies free."
The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Army Song. A receiving line and social was held in the Religious Education Building following the ceremony.
Social Sharing