The only U.S. Army signal command in the Indo-Pacific has new leadership

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Brig. Gen. Kevin F. Meisler and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan D. DeHart assumed command and responsibility of the U.S. Army 311th Signal Command (Theater) during a combined ceremony at historic Palm Circle in Fort Shafter, surrounded by Soldiers, Civilians, Families, and distinguished visitors, July 15, 2022.

The passing of the colors from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander symbolizes the transfer of command.

Brig. Gen. Jan C. Norris and Command Sgt. Maj. Randy Gillespie partook in their last assignment in the 311th SC (T) as they relinquished command and responsibility to Brig. Gen. Kevin F. Meisler and Command Sgt. Maj. Johnathon D. DeHart.

General Charles A. Flynn, U.S. Army Pacific commanding general, presided over the ceremony and reflected on the significance of this command.

“The 311th Signal Command ensured the continuity of operations even though there were massive challenges to the network,” said Flynn, USARPAC Commanding General. “It was this command that expanded points of presence across critical infrastructure to ensure communications.”.

In this way, Meisler replaces Norris, the 311th Signal Command (Theater) outgoing commander, after having served since July 2019.

“I’ll echo General Flynn comments by saying, you can’t mission command in the Indo-Pacific without a network, said Brig. Gen. Jan Norris. “What we do enables everything.”

Meisler, with 28 years of military service, recognizes the importance of this command for the nation’s security and for ensuring continued access to the cyber domain is now more critical than ever.

“This is a team that has a proud lineage and a reputation of excellence in everything we do. I am honored to be entrusted to command this organization and excited to join one of the preeminent organizations in the Army,” said Meisler, new 311th SC (T) commander. “In these uncertain times, we need to remain ready and resilient. Ready to do our jobs every time our nation calls, and resilient when called up to accomplish any mission placed before us and continue competing for a free Indo-Pacific,” added Meisler.

Meisler previously served as the commanding general of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) located at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he directed over 6,500 Soldiers.

Also during this ceremony, Gillespie, outgoing command sergeant major, not only relinquished his responsibility but retires after an illustrious of career serving the nation for more than 33 years.

Incoming Command Sgt. Maj. DeHart is a native of Owensboro, Ky. and served as the command sergeant major for the Army Reserve Careers Group at Fort Knox, Ky. and is looking to continue training and honing the greatest assets of the 311th SC (T), which is the Soldiers.

“I know Soldiers and Army Civilians, and I truly believe that the cornerstone of America's Army is our people. Three of the Chief of Staff of the Army six objectives are focused on caring for our Soldiers, families, and Army civilians, who are the very foundation of Army excellence. That will be my focus throughout my tenure,” said DeHart, new command sergeant major of the 311th SC (T).

The 311th SC (T) is the only designated U.S. Army Signal command for the Indo-Pacific theater and serves a theater enabling command for Army Service Component Commands within the region, and has subordinate units across 16 time zones including California, Alaska, Hawaii, Kwajalein, Japan, Guam, and Korea.