Deployment and Distribution Command, passes the unit colors to incoming 599th Transportation Brigade commander, Col. James Smith, during the brigade's change of command ceremony July 23... VIEW ORIGINAL
Deployment and Distribution Command, speaks to incoming 599th Transportation Brigade commander, Col. James Smith, before the change of command ceremony July 23 onboard the Battleship Mi... VIEW ORIGINAL
FORD ISLAND, Hawaii -- Col. Shannon C. Cox relinquished command of the 599th Transportation Brigade to Col. James M. Smith in a change of command ceremony July 23 on the fantail deck of the Battleship Missouri Memorial here.
Smith said he looked forward to commanding the unit.
"I am proud to join Team Pacific and reinforce the already exemplary efforts of providing the combatant commander and service component commanders flexible surface deployment and distribution options to support theater security and unified operations.
"I look forward to meeting and serving with our established host nation partners through the region, as well as our strategic partners across the Department of Defense and commercial industry. I'm also looking forward to forging new partnerships as the global mission dictates," Smith said.
Cox will move to U.S. Pacific Command headquarters at Camp H.M. Smith, where she will be in charge of plans and exercises for the logistics directorate.
Cox thanked the battalions and each section of the brigade staff, pointing out their individual contributions to the command.
"I appreciate everything that each of you do on a daily basis to make your unit the best that you can, always accomplishing every mission you have been tasked with," she said.
Maj. Gen. Susan A. Davidson, commanding general of the 599th Trans. Bde's higher headquarters, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, presided over the ceremony. She praised both outgoing and incoming commanders.
"Throughout her time here, Shannon sustained a 'ready for war' mentality that filtered down through the brigade and through her battalions, but at the same time, she also fostered a command climate that placed the care and safety of her people first and foremost," Davidson said regarding Cox.
"Coming to us with a wealth of experience, James clearly understands the importance of supporting the warfighter," Davidson said of Smith. "He understands what it takes to create and sustain support at the point of engagement.
"He has multiple combat deployments in support of our Soldiers: Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and he has served in the right positions to give him the skills and experience to lead," she added.
This change of command was the sixth for the 599th on the Missouri. It was especially significant because Sept. 2 will be the 70th anniversary of the signing of the instrument of surrender to end World War II onboard the ship.
Because of limited space, the fantail deck of any ship, even the Mighty Mo, would be out of the question to use as a change of command venue for most brigades. However, only the 599th headquarters is in Hawaii. Battalions and detachments are scattered throughout the Pacific.
Multiple Army units generously lent support for the ceremony. Of note are the 338th U.S. Army Reserve Band brass quintet from Whitehall, Ohio, who played before and during for the ceremony. The 25th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade provided a detail of troops and ushers, and the Pacific Regional Health Command supplied a color guard. Deputy U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Chaplain Lt. Col. James W. Blount delivered the invocation, and Schofield Health Clinic medics stood by in case of emergency.
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