FORT SHAFTER, Hawai'i - The 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command hosted its division's change of command ceremony at Fort Shafter's Palm Circle parade field on Nov. 6, as Maj. Gen. Brian Gibson relinquishes command to Col. Patrick Costello. The 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command plays a pivotal role in defending American interests and allies against airborne threats, including ballistic missiles and aircraft.
Gen. Charles A. Flynn, U.S. Army Pacific Commander, was the presiding officer of today's event and provided the opening remarks.
"The 94th soldiers are actively deployed on U.S. soil in areas such as Guam, performing our most sacred mission, which is to defend the United States and protect the American people," said Gen. Flynn. "The 94th is further unique in the sense that their formations are in extreme high demand. U.S. Army air defense forces are the most deployed, most utilized, and most tempered formations in the United States Army, and it is not even close."
The event marks the passing of the torch to a new leader at the helm of one of the U.S. Army's crucial commands responsible for air and missile defense in the Indo-Pacific theater.
"The amazing things air defenders accomplished in this theater was not because of me, rather because of them," said Maj. Gen. Gibson, the outgoing commander. "As we see playing out around the globe, air and missile defenders are called to action, are strategically consequential, and are among the first in and last out."
Maj. Gen. Gibson has served with distinction in his role, leading the 94th AAMDC through various critical missions and exercises during his tenure. Under his command, the 94th AAMDC has played a vital role in enhancing the defense capabilities of the United States and its partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the change of command ceremony, Maj. Gen. Gibson offered his farewell remarks while he reflected on his time as the commanding officer. Gibson expressed his gratitude to the men and women of the 94th AAMDC for their dedication and hard work in upholding the command's mission.
"Pacific air defenders do incredibly consequential things every day, on point, and in faraway lands most people couldn't comprehend," said Maj. Gen. Gibson. "That's what it means to serve, to be part of something bigger than one's self, and to be a part of an Army that matters."
Incoming commander Col. Costello brings a wealth of experience and expertise in air and missile defense to his new role. Costello has a distinguished military career, having served in various leadership positions, and he is well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of leading the 94th AAMDC into the future.
"This is the second time in 16 months where we've followed you, and I've learned three things. I have big shoes to fill. Second, you always leave tremendous organizations behind - because of the way that you lead and treat people, " said Col. Costello. "Thank you for the personal attention you paid to make this transition painless. I wish you nothing but the best as you depart for the snow in Colorado."
Social Sharing