SUWON AIR BASE, South Korea - Lt. Col. Marc Pelini relinquished command of 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 35th ADA Brigade, to Lt. Col. Matthew Walker, during a change of command ceremony June 15, at Suwon Air Base, South Korea.
The 6-52 ADA Bn. plays an integral role in ballistic missile defense for the Republic of Korea. Among those in attendance were Brig. Gen. Sean Gainey; commander of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, local politicians, civic leaders, and military leaders.
"Today's ceremony marks another milestone in our Army's history as we continue to stand ready in defense of the 51 million people of South Korea," said Col. Richard Wright, 35th ADA Bde. Commander. "Under Lt. Col. Marc Pelini's leadership, 6-52 set the standard across all areas of readiness."
Among the numerous accomplishments during Pelini's two-year command, the battalion completed Patriot missile System modernization while executing the relocation of Charlie Battery, 6-52 ADA Bn., from Osan Air Base to Camp Humphreys in order to enhance the battalion's readiness posture.
"It's absolutely astonishing how much we have asked Iron Horse Soldiers to shoulder, yet they continue to exceed the standards," Wright said. "Without question, their success is a direct testament of Marc's leadership and commitment to excellence."
Lt. Col. Pelini's next assignment will be at the Pentagon where he will serve in Headquarters, Department of the Army, G-8 Staff, managing the Army's air and missile defense systems.
When reflecting on his tenure in command, Pelini commended his subordinate leaders and Soldiers for their hard work and accomplishments.
"The Iron Horse Soldiers you see in front of you are truly a treasure within the U.S. Army in the Republic of Korea," Pelini said. "They achieved a level of proficiency unrivaled by any air defense unit. Whether it was maintaining or modernizing our major equipment, issuing parts, executing Table VIII and Table XII qualifications, or feeding our Soldiers; everyday, you did exactly what Command Sergeant Major and I asked of you."
Lt. Col. Walker and his Family come to the Republic of Korea from Washington, D.C., where he served as Air and Missile Integrator in the Army G2 Staff.
"Words cannot express how honored and humbled I am to assume command of this historic and renowned battalion," Walker said. "Entrusted with fielding, training, employment and upgrading of systems, and achievement of gunnery certifications, Soldiers of the Iron Horse Battalion have performed superbly. The personal sacrifices of both the Soldiers and Family members is not something that can be quantified. I look forward to serving with you."
Social Sharing