WASHINGTON, D.C. - Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin assumed command of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and U.S. Army Military District of Washington from Maj. Gen. Omar J. Jones IV during a ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., June 8, 2021.
Gen. Glen. D. VanHerck, commander of the U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, and Gen. James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army, served as hosts for the time-honored tradition of transferring authority and responsibility from one commander to another.
“Today, we celebrate the leadership of Maj. Gen. Jones and the achievements of this team,” said McConville. “I had complete trust in your leadership during very challenging, very critical times. You stood strong, you stood ready, and stellar during some of the highest demands.”
During the ceremony, the colors representing JTF-NCR and USAMDW passed from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.
“[Maj. Gen. Pepin] is an incredible leader,” said VanHerck. “Your amazing experience over three plus decades has you ready for this challenge. I would tell you there’s no mission more noble than defending one’s homeland. As you took the guidon today, I hope you look back and understand the importance and the value that we place on our homeland and nation’s capital.”
Pepin succeeds Jones, who has served as the commanding general of the dual-hatted command since June 2019.
“My time with the MDW has truly been the most fulfilling and humbling,” said Jones. “During truly unprecedented times these Soldiers continued to be the Guardians of our Nation’s Capital, be the face of our military, the face of our Army, representing the discipline, tradition and professionalism of over two million Americans in uniform today.
The Soldiers on the floor today represent the thousands of Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen and civilians and the families that serve in our 12 Army commands, our four joint commands, and in the joint headquarters. To all of you, thank you. It has been my honor to serve in your ranks and to take the marks with you.”
Commander of Troops for the ceremony was 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Commander, Col. Patrick M. Roddy, Jr., and Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" were the participating units.
“To the great Soldiers in front of you from the Old Guard and Pershing’s Own who represent the entire Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington, thank you for your support, high standards, and the professional execution of this ceremony,” said Pepin. “I’m humbled and honored to join your ranks today as well as look forward to our future missions and serving with you, for you, and each one of you.”
Pepin most recently served as the Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. His previous assignments include a variety of command and staff positions along with multiple rotations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received his commission through the ROTC program and graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts.
Prior to the ceremony, Jones received an Army Distinguished Service Medal in recognition of his leadership. Jones will serve as the Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Army Installation Management Command in his next assignment.
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