Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st IO Battalion, welcomes new commander

By Staff Sgt. Shaun ConwayFebruary 14, 2019

Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Information Operations Battalion, welcomes new commander
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Capt. Lyndsay L. Springer, incoming commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Information Operations Battalion, 1st Information Operations Command (Land), receives the guidon during a change of command ceremony at Thurman Hall, Fort Be... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Information Operations Battalion, welcomes new commander
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Capt. Lyndsay L. Springer, incoming commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Information Operations Battalion, 1st Information Operations Command (Land), gives remarks during the change of command ceremony at Thurman Hall, Fort Belvoi... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment (HHD), 1st Information Operations (IO) Battalion, 1st Information Operations Command (Land), welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony at Thurman Hall, Feb. 1.

Capt. Lyndsay L. Springer assumed command from Capt. Shane P. Smith at the event attended by many 1st IO Command senior leaders, Soldiers, civilians, contractors and family members.

Lt. Col. Michael J. Sieber, 1st IO Battalion Commander, presided over the ceremony welcoming Springer to the HHD and 1st IO Command, and fare welling Smith.

"Today we say goodbye to an exceptional young man that will soon officially begin his journey as an Army Information Operations officer, and welcome a young lady that is about to be awoken to just how fascinating this organization really is," said Sieber. "I was very impressed by her [Springer] poise and common sense approach to problems. I have no doubt she'll bring great ideas and enthusiasm to 1st Battalion."

Springer thanked those who prepared her for command, including her husband and her former colleagues from U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command G-7, prior to taking command of the formation from 1st Sgt. Robert M. Sallings.

"Thank you all for being here and showing your support. I also want to thank my husband for his love and support and my former colleagues from G-7 who have mentored me for the last two years," said Springer. "I look forward to working with each and every one of you."

At the end of his remarks, Sieber highlighted the qualities of the outgoing commander.

Sieber attributed Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment's success to Smith's experienced leadership before giving him well-wishes on his next assignment.

"Captain Smith has put his heart and soul into caring for each member of the command," Sieber said. "It is that trait that made him a great Detachment Commander and it is that trait that will make him a wonderful leader for the remainder of his career."

Smith called his time in command "something he will truly be grateful for" during his outgoing remarks.

"I never expected to be part of an organization with such impact." Smith added, "I am of the firm opinion that while we, as 1st IO Command, do great and important work, the roles we fill, the jobs we do, and the output from this command has impacts at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels."

Smith will attend the IO qualification course at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, before reporting to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.