FORT LIBERTY, NC – Brig. Gen. James “Pat” Work assumed command of the 82nd Airborne Division on Nov. 17, 2023 during a change of command ceremony at Pike Field, Fort Liberty. Maj. Gen. Christopher LaNeve relinquished command after serving as the commander since March 2022.
“As an old 13B [cannon crewmember], serving these last twenty-plus months as ‘All American 6’ has been a dream come true,” said LaNeve during his farewell address. “Removing this beret for the last time will be the hardest to do, as it [instills] such pride.”
Maj. Gen. LaNeve assumed command of the division, Mar. 10, 2022, during the division headquarters’ deployment to Europe in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
He has been nominated by the President for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as Commanding General, Eighth Army/Chief of Staff, Combined Forces Command, Republic of Korea.
Maj. Gen. LaNeve thanked his family and friends, while placing a special emphasis on the Paratroopers that he commanded for nearly two years.
“Every Soldier serving our country should be proud, but no more [proud] than the Paratroopers in this division,” he said. “You are amongst the most incredible men and women our nation has to offer.”
Brig. Gen. Work joins the 82nd Airborne Division after serving more than two years as Director of Operations, Readiness and Mobilization, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff G-3/5/7, United States Army in Washington, D.C. He previously served as the division’s deputy commanding general for support and as commander of the division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
Brig. Gen. Work congratulated his predecessor and his family during his welcome address. He then turned to address the Paratroopers on the field directly.
“These free men and women on the field before us, these Paratroopers, are a national treasure,” said Work. “I look forward to serving you and serving with you.”
Brig. Gen. Work assumes command as the division headquarters prepares to deploy to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility in support of the “European Assure and Reinforce” mission. This will be the division headquarters’ second deployment to Europe within the past two years.
The 82nd Airborne Division currently has three infantry brigade combat teams, one division artillery brigade, one sustainment brigade, and one combat aviation brigade; and maintains its role as the nation’s Immediate Response Force ready to deploy anywhere in the world within 18 hours.
Airborne, All the Way!
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