Fort Huachuca, Arizona - Two Soldiers' paths changed direction during a change of command ceremony Wednesday morning at Libby Army Airfield.
Incoming Commander Lt. Col. Daniel Isabell took control of the 2nd Battalion 13th Aviation Regiment from outgoing Commander Lt. Col. Clinton Conzemius.
"In my opinion there is not another training battalion that has the ability to so significantly impact such an important asymmetric capability that Army aviation and military intelligence bring to the fight," said Brigade Commander Col. Shawn Prickett, 1st Aviation Brigade, Fort Rucker, Alabama.
"Much of that is due to the personal efforts and leadership of Clint Conzemius," Prickett added. I know you positively impacted hundreds of individual Soldiers, leaders and families. Dan, you've got big shoes to fill literally and figuratively but I know you will answer the call. Without a doubt this team and family here at 2/13th will embrace you and your family so you can continue this awesome responsibility."
Conzemius has been stationed at Fort Huachuca for the past 24 months. He is retiring from the Army and will reside in Patagonia where he plans to reinvent himself and travel the world.
"Lieutenant Colonel Isabell, I welcome you and your family," Conzemius said during his speech at the ceremony. "The battalion is extremely fortunate to receive a leader of your caliber and to help guide this organization through the upcoming challenges.
"The hardest part is leaving so many projects undone. The next year is going to be very challenging, so it would be nice to see our work come to fruition due to the nature of the challenges but I think we've got the pieces in place to ensure success whether I'm here or not," Conzemius said. "I think that's the mark of any leader. If you can leave an organization and still accomplish its mission then you did a good job."
"We are very excited to be here at Fort Huachuca. This is the first time we've had the opportunity to be assigned here, so it's high adventure to a certain extent. We've been very well received, very pleased with the facilities here and with the command group," Isabell said, adding that he wanted to continue the job of making the Soldiers the best possibly trained Soldiers for the warfighters in the field.
"Clint, we can see the fruits of your efforts before us," Isabell said. "Thank you for being a great friend during this transition and Godspeed. To the Soldiers, during the last 30 days, I've had the chance to meet many of you and I look forward to continue service together."
Isabell's wife Tamara and three children were at the ceremony.
The 2/13TH Aviation Regiment, formerly known as the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Battalion, is located at Fort Huachuca. Its primary mission is to train Soldiers in the operation and maintenance of the RQ-7B Shadow, MQ-5B Hunter, and MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems.
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