U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armament Command's commanding general, Maj. Gen. Daniel Mitchell officiated a Change of Command ceremony July 17 at Sierra Army Depot.
During the ceremony, depot command was officially transferred from Lt. Col. Benjamin Johnson to Lt. Col. Russell Henry.
In his ceremony remarks, Mitchell praised the work performed at the depot under Johnson's command.
"Two years ago, Lt. Col. Johnson took command of Sierra Army Depot and he's done an exceptional job managing this highly specialized workforce comprised of more than thirteen-hundred Soldiers, civilians and contractors and directing an operating budget of nearly a quarter of a billion dollars," Mitchell said.
He added that, under Lt. Col. Johnson's leadership, the Sierra Depot team further developed the workforce through the implementation of the Leader Development Program within the Sierra Leadership Academy. The program contributed to a reduction in employee turnover from a 2017 rate of 15 percent to a current fiscal year level of just over 12 percent.
Johnson also oversaw the continued improvement of depot facilities at the rate of $20 million to $30 million per year.
Mitchell noted that Johnson "did a fantastic job in fostering partnerships with industry, helping to preserve and promote Sierra Depot's capabilities far into the future."
The general also had high praise for Henry, the incoming commander, citing his enlisted service, commissioning in the Transportation Corps upon completion of Officer Candidate School, his combat tours and several staff leadership and command positions.
"Lt. Col. Henry, you have my confidence," Mitchell stated. "As you take command of this remarkable team, I am confident that you will move this depot successfully forward and will handily deal with new challenges and obstacles as they may arise. I know you understand the needs of the warfighter and that what you do here direct, and greatly, impacts the Army mission on a daily basis.
"I know that the Sierra Depot family has already extended a warm welcome to Desiree and your sons, Russel, Robert, and Ryan, and we're all thankful that you're here."
Johnson and his family will relocate to Fort Lee for his next assignment.
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