Maj. Gen. Michael L. Howard assumed command of Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (JFHQ-NCR/MDW) from Maj. Gen. Bradley A. Becker during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall's (JBM-HH) Conmy Hall in Arlington, Virginia, April 28.
The change of command ceremony, hosted by Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, and Lt. Gen. Reynold N. Hoover, U.S. Northern Command deputy commander, is a centuries-old tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.
"It has been an honor and privilege to lead such a unique organization," said Becker. "I will never forget or take for granted the opportunities this command has afforded me. From leading the military support to the 58th Presidential Inauguration, working with our interagency partners on events like the Papal visit, witnessing our Soldiers guarding the Tomb in frigid temperatures and snow, or attending a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. The professionalism the people in this organization display every single day is amazing."
Prior to the ceremony, Allyn presented Becker the Distinguished Service Medal at a private ceremony in the JBM-HH Town Hall building.
Becker served as the JFHQ-NCR/MDW commanding general since June 2015, and is scheduled to begin his new position as Chief, Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq, U.S. Central Command.
Prior to taking command of JFHQ-NCR/MDW, Howard served as Director of Force Management, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, United States Army in Washington, D.C.
"In past week I've learned that the command is part of this fascinating team of teams that makes our collective mission in the NCR a success," said Howard. "It is impressive to me how this very large and disparate group functions as a team, and I look forward to being a part of it.
Commander of Troops for the ceremony was 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Commander, Col. Jason Garkey, and Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" were the participating units.
The U.S. Army Military District of Washington serves as the Army Forces Component and core staff element of Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region which conducts operations that deter, prevent and respond to threats aimed at the National Capital Region; and conducts world-class ceremonial musical and special events in support of our Nation's leadership.
Social Sharing