Watervliet Arsenal holds relinquishment of command ceremony

By Matthew DayJuly 24, 2018

Col. Joseph Morrow delivers his address
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Col. Joseph Morrow transfers the Watervliet Arsenal colors
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Maj. Gen. Daniel Mitchell delivers his remarks
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Artisan Joseph Neale Stamps Col. Morrow's Initials
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WATERVLIET ARSENAL, N.Y. -- The civilian workforce, soldiers, family and friends of the Watervliet Arsenal said farewell to Arsenal commander Col. Joseph R. Morrow at a ceremony on July 24, 2018 at the Watervliet Arsenal.

U.S. Army Col. Joseph R. Morrow relinquished command of the Arsenal during a ceremony at the Arsenal. Deputy Commander Joseph Turcotte will assume responsibility, authority, and general supervision until the next designated commander assumes command at a later date.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mitchell, the commanding general of U.S. Army Tank-automotive Armaments Command, praised Morrow for his service to the nation during his tenure as commander of the Arsenal.

"His passion and devotion to this Profession of Arms and its people -- military, civilian, and families -- is apparent in all he does," Maj. Gen. Mitchell said. "You have taken great care of and watched over this great workforce -- our fine tradesmen and artisans."

Maj. Gen. Mitchell highlighted the successes the Arsenal enjoyed during Col. Morrow's command, including a history-making turn around in workload. The Arsenal has already surpassed goals for new contracts awarded this year by the month of June.

"Under his leadership, the Arsenal has seen the largest turnaround in workload in its history," Maj. Gen. Mitchell said.

Col. Morrow thanked the leadership and workforce of the Arsenal for their dedication and hard work during his tenure highlighting the importance of the Watervliet Arsenal's mission. "Your devotion to the mission of the Arsenal is truly inspiring and commendable," Col. Morrow said. "You have shown me that service to our nation has many forms and every single one of you should feel a sense of pride in knowing that your service makes a difference and is appreciated by the men and women who use our products every day."

Col. Morrow concluded with a challenge to, "continue performing at the level of excellence that defines the products we produce and the country we serve."

Col. Morrow is departing Watervliet Arsenal for his next assignment as the G-4 for the 8th Army stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea.

The Watervliet Arsenal is an Army-owned-and-operated manufacturing facility and is the oldest, continuously active arsenal in the United States having begun operations during the War of 1812. It celebrated its 200th anniversary on July 14, 2013.

Today's Arsenal is relied upon by U.S. and foreign militaries to produce the most advanced, high-tech, high-powered weaponry for cannon, howitzer, and mortar systems. This National Historic Registered Landmark had revenue in fiscal year 2017 that exceeded $125 million and provides an annual economic benefit to the local community of nearly $100 million.