Charmain Z. Brackett
Correspondent
After several months laying the groundwork, Brig. Gen. Jennifer Napper is ready to forge ahead.
"It's good to finally have it off the ground," said Napper, who will officially take the flag of the 7th Signal Command (Theater) from Maj. Gen. Susan Lawrence, NETCOM commanding general at a ceremony at 10 a.m. today at the flagpole in front of Signal Towers.
Napper arrived at Fort Gordon during the summer of 2008 and has been quietly preparing for this day. In October, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new command's headquarters, which has been renovated to accommodate the 200 employees who will work there when it is fully operational.
About 70 people have been brought into positions with the 7th. The mix of support staff includes active duty military and civilians. "It will have quite an economic impact," she said.
The 7th Signal Command was de-activated about 15 years ago, and with its re-activation, it has a new mission to protect, defend and unify the Army's communications network in the United States. It has two brigades within it - the 93rd Signal Brigade and the 106th Signal Brigade.
"It's a pretty exciting opportunity to help our Army transition," said Napper.
One of its last commanders will be present at the ceremony.
Under the 7th Signal Command, the network will be centralized rather than hundreds of networks scattered throughout the nation.
Napper said her preparations at Fort Gordon have been underscored by a tremendous support base.
"We have been welcomed with open arms by the military and civilian communities," she said. "I really want to thank the community."
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