Blake takes command of 66th MI

By Jacob Corbin, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Public AffairsAugust 2, 2016

Blake takes command of 66th MI
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Blake takes command of 66th MI
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WIESBADEN, Germany -- The 66th Military Intelligence Brigade acquired new leadership in a change-of-command ceremony July 22.

Col. Devon Blake took command of the unit, following the relinquishment of command by outgoing commander Col. David Pendall.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Ballard, commanding general, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, thanked Pendall for his time with and service to the 66th MI.

"Thank you for all of your unwavering commitment to this brigade and its mission," he said. "Your leadership has made a difference."

Pendall, in turn, thanked those he led during his time in command, saying they were the future of the intelligence field.

"I'm proud of you all," he said. "The last 25 months have been a very special time for me."

Ballard also expressed his pride in what 66th MI is doing today and what it will be doing in the future, and stated that Blake was the best person to take the reins of the unit as it moves toward that future.

"She is the perfect officer to lead and sustain the 66th's legacy of intelligence excellence," Ballard said.

Blake said in her short time with the unit -- only a week before the change of command ceremony -- she was incredibly impressed by the people she met.

"I've been constantly impressed by your intellect, maturity and the scope of the roles and responsibilities [that you've all taken on]," Blake said.

"You make a difference every day," she continued. "[Together] we'll contribute to a safer and more secure Europe."

Pendall had one last thing to share with Blake before she took command.

"The only thing I have to warn you about," he said, "is just how fast your time will go."