HAWTHORNE ARMY DEPOT, Nev. -- Under sunny skies and warm conditions, the Hawthorne Army Depot welcomed a new senior leader during an official Change of Command Ceremony, held here, June 20.
Lt. Col. Dustin G. Bishop replaced Lt. Col. Scott M. Bishop, who relinquished command of HWAD after two years as the senior leader.
Col. Jimmy Brown, commander, Tooele Army Depot, served as the official host and commended Scott Bishop for his efforts over the past two years.
"Throughout his command, Scott remained steadfast in his commitment to develop and maintain the mission set here at Hawthorne. He exemplifies the Army values of moral courage and selfless service, as well as providing the determination and perseverance to achieve the high standards that he sets for himself and the Hawthorne team," Brown said.
Hawthorne Army Depot stores conventional munitions; demilitarizes and disposes of unserviceable, obsolete and surplus munitions; and maintains serviceability through inspection and renovation to ensure munitions readiness.
Scott Bishop gave a relinquishment of command speech.
"The work everyone has done… to get to where we are today has been inspiring, and I am confident that we stand ready to support our nation," said Scott Bishop.
The incoming commander also spoke briefly.
"I am truly honored to join and lead the team at the world's largest ammunition storage depot and DoD's premier demilitarization facility," said Dustin Bishop.
The ceremony featured the singing of the National Anthem by local high school student Madeline Bennett and the posting of the colors by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2313 Color Guard.
Guests were invited to greet the Bishop and Bishop Families immediately following the conclusion of the event.
Hawthorne Army Depot is a subordinate installation of JMC, headquartered at the Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. Joint Munitions Command manages ammunition manufacturing plants and storage depots that provide ammunition to all military services, other federal agencies, and allied nations.
Hawthorne Navy Ammunition Depot was established after a 1926 explosion destroyed the Lake Denmark, New Jersey, Naval Ammunition Depot. Construction began on Hawthorne in 1928.
During the pre-war years of 1930-1939, the depot's mission was to store, service, and issue ammunition to the Pacific area. During World War II, the depot served as the staging area for bombs, rockets, and ammunition for nearly the entire war effort. In 1944, the depot became involved in the demolition of various types of allied and enemy ammunition.
The depot also served as an important ammunition center during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and expanded to 236 square miles of land. The mission and function of the installation remained essentially the same over its history: receive, renovate, maintain, store, and issue ammunition, explosives, expendable ordnance items, and weapons and technical ordnance materiel.
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