FORT KNOX, Ky. -- Rays of sunshine and a Fort Knox "welcome" greeted First Army Division East as the command uncased its colors April 1 and officially made the installation its new home.

Division East Commanding General Maj. Gen. Brian McKiernan noted the importance of the ceremony held on Brooks Field.

"Today's colors-uncasing ceremony is a time-honored military tradition symbolizing the permanent change of station of the Division East headquarters to its new home here at Fort Knox," he said.

Other commands at Fort Knox include U.S. Army Cadet Command (ROTC), U.S. Army Human Resources Command and U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

Division East provides training and readiness oversight and mobilization operations for an area of responsibility spanning 27 states and territories east of the Mississippi River. The division has five brigades and 52 battalions located throughout the eastern United States with a mission to provide trained and ready forces to combatant commanders for worldwide military operations.

Not only did the command uncase its colors, but on the same day it welcomed a new senior enlisted leader during a change of responsibility ceremony for incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Royce Manis and outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Rose.

"I think it's symbiotic and relevant that we hold today's change of responsibility right after our colors-uncasing ceremony," McKiernan said. "The command sergeant major, as the unit's senior noncommissioned officer, is responsible for the safekeeping and well-being of our unit's colors, and we're delighted to hold both of these special ceremonies today."

McKiernan concluded his remarks with a nod to the bright future shared by First Army Division East and the Fort Knox community.

"I hope First Army Division East doesn't have a move again for a long time," he said. "I am truly honored to be here in the presence of the finest men and women this nation has to offer -- American Soldiers -- steadfast and true, well-trained and ready to face the daunting tasks that lie ahead. Command Sgt. Major Manis and I, along with the rest of the division headquarters, are proud to call Fort Knox our new home, and we look forward to building strong and enduring relationships with our Fort Knox neighbors and brothers-in-arms."