GREENVILLE, N.C. - The North Carolina National Guard's 42nd Civil Support Team (Weapons of Mass Destruction), gathered at the National Guard Armory here to welcome new leadership during a change of command ceremony Dec. 4, 2015.
Soldiers of the 42nd are part of a unique active-duty NCNG unit designed to provide a specialized capability of responding to a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) incident primarily within the United States, the District of Columbia, its territories and possessions.
Taking over command of the 42nd is U.S. Army Maj. Joel Eberly, a seasoned military officer who enlisted in 1988 and has held several leadership and staff positions within the organization, earning numerous awards during multiple deployments and stateside assignments.
Looking out towards the guests in attendance and the 21 service members, who comprise the unit, Eberly spoke highly of his new team.
"I'm very proud of them, it's an honor to lead them," Eberly said. "This is a special unit, it's not every day you get to do something like this, come here and get chosen to take over such a unique group of Soldiers."
Within the ranks looking back at Eberly stood Soldiers who are U.S. Army Rangers, physician assistants, a Nuclear Science officer and other key members of the team specially trained and equipped to assist local, state, and federal emergency response organizations with their professionalism and state-of-the-art equipment.
"I'm looking forward to the future," Eberly said. "We are going to try to take it to the next level and God willing, I will lead them with honor and discipline."
The unit and those in attendance watched the passing of the guidon as the transfer of the colors took place, signifying the military tradition of transferring the responsibility of the unit's mission accomplishments and welfare of the service members.
A bitter sweet moment for the unit as they bid farewell to their former commander of over four years, U.S. Army Lt. Col. William Moore.
"These guys are the jewel of the state," Moore said. "Everyone deploys, and these guys deploy all the time."
"To be the commander of this unit has truly been an honor and a blessing," Moore said.
Praising both incoming and outgoing commanders as well as presiding over the ceremony was U.S. Army Col. Ephraim E. Grubbs, III, the brigade commander of 60th Troop Command.
The effective leadership of Moore, and continued leadership by Eberly, adds to the versatility of the 60th Troop Command and the NCNG, as ready and reliable force according to Grubbs.
The 42nd is one of 57 CST throughout the National Guard. Each U.S. State is assigned at one CST, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Two states have two CST, they are California and New York.
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