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Soldiers, leaders, and guests gather at Watkins Field at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., for the inactivation ceremony of the 42nd Military Police Brigade, May 29, 2025.
The 42D MP Brigade was first activated in 1949 as the 7751st MP Detachment in Germany. Over 75 years, the unit provided customs enforcement, detention operations, and law enforcement support across Europe, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The ceremony marked the official end of a distinguished legacy of service, discipline, and sacrifice. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shadica Price)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Shadica Price)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Soldiers, leaders, and guests gather at Watkins Field at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., for the inactivation ceremony of the 42nd Military Police Brigade, May 29, 2025.
The 42D MP Brigade was first activated in 1949 as the 7751st MP Detachment in Germany. Over 75 years, the unit provided customs enforcement, detention operations, and law enforcement support across Europe, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The ceremony marked the official end of a distinguished legacy of service, discipline, and sacrifice. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shadica Price)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Shadica Price)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Soldiers, leaders, and guests gather at Watkins Field at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., for the inactivation ceremony of the 42nd Military Police Brigade, May 29, 2025.
The 42D MP Brigade was first activated in 1949 as the 7751st MP Detachment in Germany. Over 75 years, the unit provided customs enforcement, detention operations, and law enforcement support across Europe, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The ceremony marked the official end of a distinguished legacy of service, discipline, and sacrifice. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ger'vonni Straun)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. GERVONNI STRAUN)VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Soldiers, leaders, and guests gather at Watkins Field at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., for the inactivation ceremony of the 42nd Military Police Brigade, May 29, 2025.
The 42D MP Brigade was first activated in 1949 as the 7751st MP Detachment in Germany. Over 75 years, the unit provided customs enforcement, detention operations, and law enforcement support across Europe, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The ceremony marked the official end of a distinguished legacy of service, discipline, and sacrifice. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ger'vonni Straun)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. GERVONNI STRAUN)VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Soldiers, leaders, and guests gather at Watkins Field at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., for the inactivation ceremony of the 42nd Military Police Brigade, May 29, 2025.
The 42D MP Brigade was first activated in 1949 as the 7751st MP Detachment in Germany. Over 75 years, the unit provided customs enforcement, detention operations, and law enforcement support across Europe, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The ceremony marked the official end of a distinguished legacy of service, discipline, and sacrifice. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Shadica Price)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Shadica Price)VIEW ORIGINAL
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - After more than five decades since their activation in Germany, the 42nd Military Police Brigade officially cased its colors in an inactivation ceremony on Watkins Field at Joint Base Lewis McChord, May 29.
Lt. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, America’s First Corps commanding general, presided over the ceremony and interim command sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Donald Durgin Jr., along with Colonel Jessie J. Brewster, 42nd MP BDE Commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Brian J. Waananen, 42nd MP BDE Command Sergeant Major, were in attendance.
On October 16 2004, the 42nd MP Brigade activated at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since then the 42D MP Brigade deployed to Parwan Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“For 21 years, the 42nd Military Police Brigade has stood as a pillar of readiness and protection at Joint Base Lewis McChord,” said McFarlane. “Through deployments, transformation, and an evolving security landscape, this brigade has trained and operated alongside our joint and multinational partners, embodying the professionalism and adaptability required in today’s Army.”
Since its activation, the brigade has successfully maintained the critical balance between directing multi-service corrections operations, directing multi-service corrections operations, directing emergency services and force protection operations in support of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and preparing units and Soldiers for worldwide combat and combat support operations.
The 42nd MP BDE inactivation is part of a broader Army restructuring plan aimed at creating new capabilities and rebalancing existing formations throughout its ranks.
The casing of the colors signifies the completion of the final mission for the 42nd MP BDE. All Soldiers in the formation will transition from wearing the 42D patch to the I Corps patch. This signifies the unit’s transition from the command authority of the 42nd MP BDE to the command authority of the 22nd Corps Signal Brigade, Joint Base Lewis McChord.
“The friendships, lessons, and impact of the 42nd MP BDE will live on through every mission, every leader, and every Soldier that carries its legacy forward,” said McFarlane. “Integrity of Action, Lead and Live with Courage!”
The Soldiers of the 42nd MP BDE conclude their service with the unit by upholding its established standards of professionalism, discipline, and mission readiness.
"To the leaders, Soldiers, civilians and families of the fighting 42nd that I've had the privilege to serve alongside for the last two years, a simple thank you does not seem to be enough, but words cannot capture the gratitude I have for each of you." said Brewster.
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