The ceremony wasn't just to pass the torch from one commander to another, but also to "recognize the 193rd Infantry Brigade -- a decisive formation in this purposeful mission," the post's senior commander said June 15.
Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson, Fort Jackson commander, spoke June 15 at the brigade's change of command ceremony on Victory Field, where Col. John C. White took command of the unit from Col. Michael Katona.
"You represent a team of teams transforming America's volunteer sons and daughters -- even those adopted from other countries -- into the world's best Soldiers," Johnson told the brigade during the ceremony that took place on the very spot he will pass the reins of the Fort to Brig. Gen. Milford Beagle tomorrow. Two years ago Beagle relinquished command of the brigade to Katona there as well.
The 193rd Infantry Brigade was originally constituted on June 24, 1922. The brigade saw action against Germany in Central Europe and played an important role in collapsing the Ruhr Pocket in 1945. The unit was inactivated following the war only to be activated again in 1962 for defense of the Panama Canal Zone. It saw action against General Manual Noriega in Operation Just Cause in 1989. It would be inactivated in 1994 and reactivated Jan. 31, 2007 at Fort Jackson.
Johnson heartily welcomed White as the brigade commander calling him, "one of the finest officers I've served with … J.C. White will carry it well."
White, a "seasoned commander who commanded a company and battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division," is no stranger to Fort Jackson having served as the post's operations officer for the past year, Johnson added.
The new brigade commander received his commission in 1997 after graduating from West Point. He has deployed five times in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
For White having Johnson pass him the unit colors was almost déjà vu.
White thanked Johnson for entrusting him with the "awesome responsibility" of being a brigade commander.
"It has been a true privilege to have received the colors from you for a second time in my career," White said.
He and his wife "are proud to join this Family and look forward to working with every Soldier and leader of this fine brigade," White added.
The fort commander thanked Katona for a job well done.
Johnson characterized Katona as a "powerhouse" who made a difference in the Army by training more than 40,000 new Soldiers the past two year while being "extraordinarily fun to watch."
Katona was the spirit behind the 100- and 101- mile bike rides and the brigade's Rubicon team building exercises.
Katona is leaving to become the executive officer for the Training and Doctrine Command commanding general.
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