USAG HUMPHREYS, South Korea – During the 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion change of command ceremony, Lt. Col. Travis Godfrey relinquished command to Lt. Col. Trevis Isenberg and Command Sgt. Maj. Vanessa Gonzales relinquished responsibility for the battalion at Desiderio Army Airfield, here, June 11.
“Two years did go by fast, and yes, some days or weeks were longer than others, but when you love what you do, it’s well worth it,” said Godfrey. “My hope is that in some small way I’ve impacted your life in a positive way.”
During the passing of the colors, Godfrey passed the unit colors to Col. Paul Oh, commander, 501st Military Intelligence Brigade, who in turn officially handed over command of the battalion to its new commander, Isenberg.
After passing the colors, Oh, the ceremony’s host, spoke to the gathering. He reminded them that there is change in the battalion, the brigade and at Camp Humphreys, but that the 3rd MI Battalion’s mission continues through the professionalism of its aviators, Soldiers, Civilians, Korean partners and contracted work force.
“Third MI Battalion has no off days, because this theater relies on you to keep watch,” said Oh. “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for the men and women who make this mission possible.”
Oh went on to congratulate Godfrey for his steadfast leadership in guiding 3rd MI Battalion; increasing its fleet of aircraft, undertaking the task of modernizing the aging aircraft, while never forgetting to care for the battalion’s most precious resource, its people.
“Travis also had the expertise, drive and counsel of 3rd MI’s incredible Command Sergeant Major – Command Sgt. Maj. Gonzalez,” said Oh. “If we remember how 3rd MI made it through the tough times of COVID, lockdown, and the dark Korean winter, much of the credit goes to you.”
Oh also welcomed the new commander, informing the gathering that Isenberg is no stranger to 3rd MI and has already been supporting the battalion for a year from U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command headquarters.
“Trevis, I, along with multiple commanders above me, will be relying on your advice and leadership as we ensure the continued success of the aerial ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) mission for this theater.”
During his remarks, Godfrey thanked Oh and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Martino for their mentorship and their trust, which allowed him the freedom to truly command the battalion. He also thanked Gonzalez for her friendship, compassion for Soldiers and her willingness to give so much of herself to the team.
“It has been a true honor to command such a fine team of professional, dedicated, and compassionate Soldiers,” said Godfrey. “I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing about all the great things the battalion will continue to do.”
Godfrey and his family will make the enviable move to Canberra, Australia, where he will attend his one-year Australian War College fellowship.
“Two years ago, in this very same hanger, I promised you all to lead by example and devote all my time and effort to you and your families,” said Gonzalez. “I hope I lived up to that promise.”
Gonzalez went on to say that while she is happy to be headed back to Fort Bragg, to be closer to her family, she is also saddened to be leaving the friendships established in Korea. She thanked everyone for their contribution to the organization, and thanked Godfrey for the trust he placed in her and in the leaders throughout the battalion.
Isenberg thanked everyone for their continued support for the battalion and told Oh that he and his wife Annie are excited to join the Red Dragon Team.
“Winged Vigilance family, words can’t express how proud I am to be joining the Army’s premier Aerial Exploitation Battalion,” said Isenberg. “Trust me, I have seen all the other AEBs and you are the best.”
The 501st Military Intelligence Brigade provides indications and early warning of actions by opposing forces that could threaten the tense but stable peace in the Republic of Korea. In the event of hostilities, the brigade’s mission shifts to providing combined, multi-discipline intelligence and force protection support to the United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command, the CFC Ground Component Command, and their subordinate units.
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