KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz’ Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) bid farewell to Capt. Rudolph “Trey” Smith III and welcomed its new commander, Capt. Duncan Makau, in a change of command ceremony held on Kleber Kaserne, Sept. 17.
Makau comes from the 266th Finance Operations Center, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, as a plans and operations chief, where he led the development, synchronization, and execution of operational plans in support of finance operations across the theater.
“As the new HHC commander, my goal is to build a disciplined team to achieve our mission with integrity and without compromise,” Makau said. “By working together, we will take care of our Soldiers and their families, making sure they can take full advantage of every chance for growth.”
Makau said his leadership philosophy is to empower his team to engage in critical thinking and take disciplined initiative to boost mission readiness. He said he plans to leverage the collective expertise of Soldiers and civilians through open communication.
“Capt. Smith has set the conditions for success, and my goal is to continue that momentum by making this an even better organization,” he added. “Improving what is already a great unit is a challenge, but by working together, we will find new opportunities to excel.”
Smith, who served as USAG Rheinland-Pfalz’s HHC commander since June 2024, will move on to serve as aide de camp for Maj. Gen. Ronald Ragin, U.S. Army Europe and Africa chief of staff.
"I hope to leave behind a legacy of truly caring for the Soldiers and their success, both within and outside the Army,” said Smith. “I hope that they will carry on the principles of mission command.”
Smith expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead HHC and serve alongside exceptional Soldiers, highlighting the sacrifices of the Military Police and the Religious Support Office teams, who frequently work on weekends and holidays.
“The success of HHC is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of its Soldiers who are always ready to execute the mission,” he said. “As your commander, I needed you far more than you needed me, and I am incredibly proud of everything you have accomplished.”
Smith’s advice for the incoming commander is to embrace the role with joy while recognizing the profound impact he will have on the unit’s Soldiers.
“The HHC is an outstanding company full of dedicated Soldiers,” Smith said. “Show them genuine appreciation and let them know they hold a special place in your heart.”
The mission of USAG Rheinland-Pfalz Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) is to provide administrative, logistical and readiness support and training for the assigned service members in their charge, while setting conditions for mission success and taking care of the health and wellbeing of their families.
U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz serves, supports and secures the total force community, enabling power projection for the European Theater.
Connect with USAG Rheinland-Pfalz: https://linktr.ee/usag_rp
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