Cyber Protection Brigade battalion welcomes new commander

By CourtesyJune 16, 2021

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, U.S. Army Cyber Protection stand in formation during the battalion's change of command ceremony, at Fort Gordon, Ga., June 16, 2021. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Roman Rajm)
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, U.S. Army Cyber Protection stand in formation during the battalion's change of command ceremony, at Fort Gordon, Ga., June 16, 2021. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Roman Rajm) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Coleman of the 2nd Cyber Battalion, U.S. Army Cyber Protection Brigade, receives the Army colors in preparation for passing them to outgoing battalion commander Lt. Col. Leslie D. Gorman (third from right) during the battalion's change of command ceremony at Fort Gordon, Ga., June 16, 2021. Gorman in turn passed the flag to brigade commander Col. John F. Popiak (right), who completed the change of command by presenting the colors to incoming commander Lt. Col. Steven R. Simmons Jr. (second from right) (Photo by. Staff Sgt. Roman Rajm)
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Coleman of the 2nd Cyber Battalion, U.S. Army Cyber Protection Brigade, receives the Army colors in preparation for passing them to outgoing battalion commander Lt. Col. Leslie D. Gorman (third from right) during the battalion's change of command ceremony at Fort Gordon, Ga., June 16, 2021. Gorman in turn passed the flag to brigade commander Col. John F. Popiak (right), who completed the change of command by presenting the colors to incoming commander Lt. Col. Steven R. Simmons Jr. (second from right) (Photo by. Staff Sgt. Roman Rajm) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. John F. Popiak, commander of the U.S. Army Cyber Protection Brigade (right), passes the colors of the brigade's 2nd Cyber Battalion to incoming battalion commander Lt. Col. Steven R. Simmons Jr. during the battalion's change of command ceremony at Fort Gordon, Ga., June 16, 2021. (Photo by. Staff Sgt. Roman Rajm)
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. John F. Popiak, commander of the U.S. Army Cyber Protection Brigade (right), passes the colors of the brigade's 2nd Cyber Battalion to incoming battalion commander Lt. Col. Steven R. Simmons Jr. during the battalion's change of command ceremony at Fort Gordon, Ga., June 16, 2021. (Photo by. Staff Sgt. Roman Rajm) (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The U.S. Army Cyber Protection Brigade (CPB) welcomed a new commander to its 2nd Cyber Battalion in a ceremony at Fort Gordon, Ga., June 16, 2021.

During the ceremony, CPB commander Col. John F. Popiak passed the unit's colors to incoming commander Lt. Col. Steven R. Simmons Jr.

In his remarks at the event Popiak thanked outgoing commander Lt. Col. Leslie D. Gorman for her service, for her support and care for the 'Sentinel' battalion's people, and for the unit's accomplishments under her command.

"Whenever a cyber unit like the 'Sentinels' takes this kind of respite in the strategic competition in which they are engaged for a ceremony, we struggle to find the words to express the gravity of their contributions," Popiak said. "Instead of trying, I will ask you to trust that our world is made better each day by the unique contributions of the women and men standing before you, those seated in the stands, and the scores of Sentinels on watch in Fortitude Hall right now."

The colonel went on to welcome Simmons and his family, and expressed his confidence that the new commander will continue to build the battalion's tradition of outstanding service.

"You've arrived on this day, specially selected and ready to care for this battalion and achieve excellence in your mission," he said. "I know you are ready to continuously compete with the advanced nation-state actors that would do our republic harm. The 'Sentinels' stand before you ready, resilient and poised to write the next chapter of their legacy of Army cyber."

Immediately prior to the change of command, Popiak presented Gorman with the Meritorious Service Medal and the Saint Isidore Medal for demonstrated cyber excellence, for her service to the brigade.

To watch the full video of the ceremony, visit the CPB Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CyberProtectionBrigade

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ABOUT THE CPB: The CPB's mission is to defend key terrain in cyberspace to deter threats and deliver effects that ensure freedom of action for friendly forces while denying the same to adversaries. The "Hunter" brigade mans, trains and equips Cyber Protection Teams that deploy worldwide to support network defenders safeguarding systems and data; provides defensive readiness assessments and assistance; hardens friendly networks; and conducts defensive cyber operations.

CPB ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/CyberProtectionBrigade

CPB ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BrigadeCyber