741st Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion welcomes a new leader

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. -- Soldiers, civilians and family members of the 741st Military Intelligence (MI) Battalion welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony held at the McGlachlin Parade Field, June 21.

Lt. Col. Shawn Callahan assumed command of the "Silent Warriors" battalion from Lt. Col. Eric Fowler during a ceremony hosted by Col. Heidi A Urben, commander, 704th MI Brigade.

Callahan, who recently served as a deputy division chief, Office of Counterterrorism, National Security Agency (NSA) was welcome to the Silent Warriors team with remarks from Urben.

"I know it's customary to say that the new commander is exactly the right person for the job, but in this case, it couldn't be truer," said Urben. "Shawn Callahan was made to command the 741st."

"I know that you're coming in with eyes wide open, eager and willing to learn an entirely different angle than what you have experienced here before."

Callahan, who is honor to take command of the battalion addressed the audience in attendance.

"Silent Warriors, I am honored to take the helm of the finest MI battalion in the Army," said Callahan. "As I look out at the innovative professionals before me on this field, I see the immense potential of what we can and will provide to the NSA during my tenure. Together, we will cultivate partnerships and maximize civilian-military integration that will enable decisive intelligence to protect our nation and defeat our adversaries."

Callahan also expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the outgoing commander and his wife.

"Thank you Eric, to you and your spouse for instilling pride in this unit and laying the groundwork through numerous achievements over the last two years," said Callahan. "I will build upon your success."

Urben gave a special thanks to Fowler for his success at the battalion and noted she is very excited to bring him back as the 704th MI Brigade's Deputy Commander.

"Eric, congratulations on a successful battalion command and for constantly demonstrating to the silent warriors that providing outstanding support to the NSA and being a great soldier are not mutually exclusive, said Urben. "In fact, they are mutually enforcing qualities."

In Fowler remarks he expressed his two years at the Battalion was a great opportunity.

"These last two years have been a tremendous season of growth for me and the soldiers you see before you" said Fowler. "In our time together, we have seen dramatic changes in the battalion we are, the brigade we belong to, and the agency we support."

"As a battalion, we built over 205 noncommissioned officers, of those completing schools, seven were distinguished honor graduates, 17 commandants list, two iron soldiers, and over 170 highly qualified Army intelligence professionals re-enlisted to continue their exemplary service to our Nation, earning signing bonuses in excess of 2.2 million dollars.

Fowlers signed off "Electron Recon, There's only one First -- 741st, First to Know! Warrior six signing off."

The 741st MI Battalion is charged with global cryptologic operations and enhances the Army Cryptologic Force in order to provide the Nation's Leaders and Joint Force Commanders with a decisional advantage in multi-domain battle.