1st Medical Brigade Welcomes New Commander

By Sgt. 1st Class Michael CoxJanuary 17, 2019

1st Medical Brigade Welcomes New Commander
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Outgoing 1st Medical Brigade Commander, Col. Anthony Nesbitt, passes the 1st Med Bde colors to Brig. Gen. Darren Werner, commanding general of the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, during Thursday's Change of Command ceremony on Sadowski Field ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
1st Medical Brigade Welcomes New Commander
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (from L to R) Col. Anthony Nesbitt, outgoing 1st Medical Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Darren Werner, Coming General of the 13th ESC, and Col. Robert Howe II, incoming commander of the 1st Medical Brigade, after the traditional passing of the unit co... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
1st Medical Brigade Welcomes New Commander
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The 1st Medical Brigade welcomed a new commander on January, 17 on Sadowski Field at Fort Hood.

Col. Anthony Nesbitt, who served as the 1st Medical Brigade commander for more than two years, passed command responsibility to Col. Robert Howe II with the traditional passing of the colors, symbolizing the change of command.

"The Silver Knights team and the health services community is a pillar of Army sustainment and a valued member of the 13th ESC. As one chapter ends, a new begins with the addition of Colonel Howe and his family," Said Brig. Gen. Darren Werner, commanding general of the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, who was the reviewing officer at the ceremony. "Melissa and I look forward to our time ahead and getting to know you and your family."

Howe recently commanded the 47th Combat Support Hospital at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington and Task Force MED 47 in Baghdad, Iraq.

"Silver Knights, your reputation and legacy as our Army's largest and most expeditionary medical brigade are widely known and I'm deeply humbled and honored to serve as your commander," Howe said.

Howe thanked the assembled Soldiers, distinguished guests and Family members for attending the ceremony, saying that exciting times and missions are ahead for the unit.

Nesbitt addressed Howe and wife Catherine saying "Col. Rob Howe, we have known each other for many years, back to our days of working on the Office of The Surgeon General Army staff together as well as this recent CENTCOM deployment. You are a super leader and I am happy and comfortable that you and Catherine will be elevating this brigade to another level, you are the right leader at the right time."

Over the last 24 months under Nesbitt's command, the 1st Med. Bde. deployed to the CENTCOM area of operations conducting missions in 10 countries, provided relief support for Hurricane Harvey in Houston last year, and provided medical support for the presidential inauguration.

Nesbit then addressed the Soldiers of the 1st Med. Bde.

"Silver Knights, you make me proud to call myself your commander," He said. "I have been lucky to be afforded the privilege to command the best Soldiers in the Army."

Nesbitt's next assignment will be at Joint Base San Antonio, where he will serve as the Chief of Staff for the Regional Health Command-Central.