MI Corps Band changes command

FORT HUACHUCA, Arizona -- The U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps Band bid farewell to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jonathan Crane and welcomed Chief Warrant Officer 3 Michael Moore at its change of command ceremony May 3 on Brown Parade Field here.

Col. Whit Wright, Fort Huachuca garrison commander and guest speaker, said "it is truly an honor to preside over this ceremony" as he thanked those in attendance..

"The U.S. Army is the biggest employer of musicians in the country…and [the MI Corps Band] represents the music diversity of America," Wright said.

"Our band shapes perceptions and shapes the attitude of the public," the garrison commander said. "They are face to face with our community and our countryman. How do you put a price on that?"

Turning to both Crane and Moore, Wright said "standing beside me are two men who represent the very best of professionalism, of confidence and integrity of our Army musicians.

"You were the leader your Soldiers deserved," Wright said to Crane. "You were humble, you were caring, compassionate and competent."

Wright praised Crane for supervising over 600 concerts during his command and doing it with "dignity and class, and he made the performances look effortless.

"As this chapter comes to a close for you, please know we are thankful for your service, and we are proud to have stood beside you."

Wright then welcomed Moore.

"Today we also welcome a new teammate to our team, to Team Huachuca," he said. "Michael, your reputation precedes you. You are the right man for this job and congratulations on taking the guidon today.

"To the members of this great band, this MI Corps Band, this 62nd Army Band, your lineage goes back to 1901, to the 15th Calvary Band, you continue to make us proud.

"As the only active-duty band in Arizona, you represent our senior commander and Team Huachuca superbly," Wright continued. "And you impart a ceremonial dignity to functions like this that simply cannot be overstated. We are super proud of you. And it's nice to see you in the spotlight today."

Crane then gave his farewell remarks.

"It's been an honor to serve at Fort Huachuca and the [U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence] as the band commander these last two years," Crane said thanking his wife and family for their support.

"To the Soldiers of the MI Corps Band, you amaze me with your professionalism and dedication to duty every single day," he continued. "It's really awesome, the diversity of music and what we ask of Army musicians is probably more than we ask of any normal musicians. We ask them to play every kind of music."

Crane explained that being a musician requires the ability to play many types of music with a high level of expertise and take on multiple duties because "we ask you to be a Soldier first, then take on all those musical responsibilities. This is probably the most resilient group of professionals that I've ever seen."

"As long as there's a drum on the Army flag, music will play an important role in our Army's mission to defend this country and all it stands for."

Moore then stepped to the podium as the incoming commander and thanked his wife for her support and all those that attended.

"It is my distinct honor and privilege to serve with and alongside the talented Soldier musicians of the Military Intelligence Corps Band," he said. "As the face of the installation, each and every performance by the band" is important to outreach.

To the MI Corps Band, Moore said they have "been and will continue to be an integral part of Fort Huachuca and surrounding communities. As Army musicians, know that you are needed and appreciated for every event that you support."