Kaiserslautern, Germany (Rhine Ordnance Barracks) -- Soldiers, leaders, families and friends of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command gathered at Daenner Kaserne's NCO Field June 23 to welcome the unit's new and fourth commander.
Col. David E. Shank assumed command of the 10th AAMDC from Col. Janell E. Eickhoff during the unit's Change of Command ceremony.
The United States Army Europe Deputy Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Timothy McGuire, presided over the ceremony.
After the formation of troops and the arrival of the official party, both Eickhoff and Shank took their positions in front of the formation on the ready line and the ceremony began.
After an inspection of troops by the official party, the passing of the unit colors began. This time-honored military tradition represents the assumption of the mission by the new commander. It also represents the transfer of personnel, equipment, morale and esprit de corps of the unit.
Traditionally, the colors of an organization are the focal point for an entire organization to follow.
After the passing of the guide on, McGuire shared his remarks with the audience thanking Eickhoff for her hard work and dedication during her past two years in command.
"Thank you for the blood, sweat and tears you invested in Team 10, U.S. Army Europe and the Alliance. You truly helped us realize true deterrence and defense through Integrated Air Missile Defense," McGuire Said. "I know what you've sacrificed to move the chains here in Europe."
McGuire then shifted focus to welcome Shank and his family to the 10th AAMDC and the Strong Europe Team.
"You are bringing some great experience from your previous assignments at CENTCOM and in the SHORAD community. You're charged with continuing to push the envelope," McGuire said. "You have the full faith and confidence of this command to do so."
After McGuire finished his remarks, Eickhoff took the podium to address the audience and soldiers on last time as she reflected on her time in command.
"It has been an incredible journey and it was truly an honor to serve in U.S. Army Europe," Eickhoff said.
She then addressed the demanding mission that Team 10 has performed during the past 24 months.
"We live and work in, what I would argue, is the most dynamic and complex theater in today's Army," Eickhoff said. "In order to succeed in such a demanding environment and vast AOR, units, especially ours, require the highest caliber of leadership."
Before the pass in review and the ceremony's conclusion, Shank addressed the audience and soldiers for the first time as the 10th AAMDC commander.
"I recognize that leading America's warriors is a privilege. I also recognize the challenges ongoing in Europe, and look forward to working side by side with our allies and partners," Shank said. "I want to publicly thank Col. Jen Eickhoff, Maj. Ben Klandrud and the entire staff for the warm welcome."
In his closing remarks, Shank addressed the soldiers of the 10th AAMDC.
"And for the troopers of Team 10, my initial guidance is simple: train hard, be a good teammate, and be ready to fight tonight," Shank said. "Thank you again for coming today."
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