U.S. Army... VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Larry B. Barnhill, 525th... VIEW ORIGINAL
Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, commanding general, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, presided over the ceremony.
A change of command ceremony represents an official transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another.
Anderson expressed confidence in Walker's ability to command the transformed 525th MI Brigade.
"The best thing about our great Army is that the next commander is equally qualified to take this organization to even greater heights and achievements," said Anderson. "Col. Walker brings a tremendous amount of experience from some of the Army's most challenging intelligence positions; the Army chose well when it selected him to be the next commander of this storied brigade."
Anderson also praised Woods for his leadership of the 'Lightning Brigade' and noted his successful execution of the mission from the brigade's recent Kosovo deployment.
"The magnificent command team of Col. Woods and Command Sgt. Maj. Schmitz was the lightning standard bearers for this brigade," said Anderson. "Dave and his phenomenal team commanded a multinational battle group comprised of over 2,000 allied Soldiers from nine nations; their efforts supported the integration of the Northern Serbian municipalities and set conditions for a stable, democratic, multiethnic and peaceful Kosovo."
A historic Army tradition, the ceremony ensures the unit is never without leadership and displays an allegiance from the Soldiers to their new commander.
Woods, a native of Denbo, Pa., is retiring from the Army after 26 years of service and noted his gratitude for the job done by the Soldiers under his command.
"While this ceremony symbolizes mission completion of one command team and the beginning of another, it also serves to recognize the vast and significant contributions the Soldiers have made over the past two years," said Woods. "I want to thank all of you for your diligence and attention to detail; the deliberate efforts made by this organization during the brigade's transition that will pay huge dividends for the future Soldiers of the 'Lightning Brigade'."
Walker, a Newport News, Va. Native, served at Headquarters Department of the Army Operations and Plans Division as a cyberspace plans officer prior to reporting to Ft. Bragg.
"I am familiar with the history and importance of the 525th, I understand our mission and I'm certain our nation's leaders will call upon us in the days ahead," said Walker. "I look
forward to sharing the challenges with every member of this team and I am proud to serve beside you."
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