7th ATC hosts Change of Command

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany-- Brig. Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve relinquishes command of the 7th Army Training Command (7th ATC) to Brig. Gen. Christopher R. Norrie during a ceremony on the parade field at Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 11, 2019.

Lt. Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, the commanding general of U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) presided over the ceremony. Cavoli was the commanding general for USAREUR during LaNeve's tenure over 7th ATC.

"Chris was only in command for one year, 13 months as Kim (LaNeve) pointed out earlier today" said Cavoli. "Chris has had a very significant impact on this command. I gave him the task to transform the command into more than what it had been previously and Chris did so with spectacular fashion."

Since LaNeve took command in May 2018, 7th ATC's primary focus expanded. Not only does 7th ATC continue to provide oversite to the different training areas throughout its footprint, it now commands four active brigades: the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, and is currently manning and fielding the recently reactivated 41st Field Artillery Brigade.

"The boss gave me clear guidance 13 months ago when I took command, to do what the command was doing and just add TRA (Training and Readiness Authority) over four combat brigades," said LaNeve. "It seemed like an easy task but the command was already incredibly busy."

LaNeve was charged with creating an entirely new formation out of an already established command.

"Our only focus was what the boss told us," said LaNeve. "Our number one focus is to build readiness through USAREUR... and never lose sight of where we are."

LaNeve is moving on to be the director for operations, readiness and mobilization in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army in Washington D.C.

Norrie, who is a distinguished military graduate from Bucknell University, a graduate of Embry-Riddle University and the National War College, served most recently as the deputy commanding general of Maneuver, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas.

Norrie thanked his family, his friends, the entire 7th ATC team, everyone who participated in making the ceremony a success and extended a special offering of gratitude to LaNeve and his wife, Kim.

"To Chris and Kim LaNeve, you are an exceptional command team," said Norrie. "You have made such a difference here at 7th Army Training Command and in the lives of so many to include our family... we are so thankful and grateful for you."