ANSBACH, Germany – The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade held a change of command ceremony July 2 at Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany. The brigade’s outgoing commander, Col. Ryan C. Kendall, relinquished command to Col. Adam R. Bock.
A change of command ceremony is a cornerstone of military tradition, representing the formal transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability between commanding officers. It is a critical moment where Soldiers reaffirm their collective commitment to the mission under their new commander’s guidance.
“Our relationships are our greatest strength and advantage against any threat to our way of life,” said Kendall, who is scheduled to take command of the 6th Recruiting Brigade in Las Vegas, Nevada. “My family and I will forever be a part of this community, and we are deeply grateful for the hospitality and friendships we’ve made.”
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps, hosted the ceremony. During his remarks, Costanza reflected on Kendall's tenure in command and the significance of 12th CAB.
"Ryan Kendall and the 12th CAB have demonstrated commitment over the past two years, knowing that the threats they face are real and immediate,” Costanza said. “Kendall’s efforts significantly improved both U.S. and NATO warfighting readiness and interoperability as well as established a culture of innovation inside the Griffin Brigade, helping make our Army better.”
Kendall also mentioned the work he led with NATO Allies and partners.
“Our efforts to strengthen these partnerships through combat-credible training is the most powerful form of deterrence,” he said.
Bock comes to the 12th CAB after serving as a National Security Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
“The Soldiers of 12th CAB are elite professionals, and together, we will uphold our commitment to ensuring a secure and stable Europe for our nation and allies,” Bock said during his remarks. “I am incredibly proud to join the Griffin Brigade.”
The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade is made up of more than 800 Soldiers and civilians stationed across three garrisons in Germany. 12th CAB provides V Corps with a ready and lethal combat aviation force capable of rapidly projecting combat power across the European and African areas of responsibility in support of designated plans to assure allies and partners, deter aggression, and, if necessary, defeat near-peer adversaries.
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