ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – Capt. Bridget E. McCormick assumed command of the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command’s (ATEC) Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) from Capt. Sean P. Benjamin, outgoing HHC commander, during the change of command ceremony held inside the ATEC Headquarters at Aberdeen Proving Ground, or APG April 20.
Maj. Gen. James J. Gallivan, ATEC’s commanding general, and presiding officer over the ceremony, gave opening remarks.
“The passing of the guidon is important,” Gallivan said. “It signifies the relinquishment of command from one leader to another.”
Gallivan praised Benjamin for the leadership he demonstrated as the former ATEC HHC commander.
“It truly takes a very special kind of leader to be an HHC or Headquarters and Headquarters Troop commander,” Gallivan said. “It takes people skills, it takes an intense level of maturity, and it takes patience.”
According to Gallivan, Benjamin showed authentic organic care for others, and he would get the job done without receiving any fanfare or glory.
After expressing gratitude and bidding farewell to Benjamin as the outgoing HHC commander, Gallivan welcomed McCormick as the new commander noting her previous experience as a commander who has led men and women in combat.
“I know that all of us are in capable hands, and I’m excited to watch you lead with distinction,” Gallivan said. “You’ve been given the mantle of leadership and the opportunity to command yet again. But as I said, just put people first.”
Following behind Gallivan, Benjamin expressed his gratitude to the ATEC team.
“To command is to serve and nothing more,” Benjamin said. “That’s what I tried to do for all of you, and it’s the motto that kept me going.”
Benjamin said McCormick was fully capable of taking the HHC team forward.
As the incoming commander, Capt. McCormick addressed the ATEC civilians and Soldiers and said she was grateful for being given the opportunity to command HHC.
“Know that I will tackle this assignment as aggressively as a precision strike missile,” McCormick said.
In closing, McCormick said thank you to Benjamin for his friendship and warm handover as the new HHC commander.
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