Task Force Talon Change of Command Ceremony

By Capt. Frank SpattDecember 17, 2025

Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
1 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford, left, outgoing commander of Task Force Talon, passes the unit colors to Col. Joseph C. Scott, commander of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, during a change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
2 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Talon stand in formation during a change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. The ceremony, set against the backdrop of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, marks the final leadership transition for the unit before its scheduled activation as the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
3 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — The color guard presents the colors during the Task Force Talon change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. The ceremony marks the final leadership transition for the unit before its scheduled activation as the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment in October 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
4 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Soldiers assigned to Task Force Talon render honors during the unit's change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. Lt. Col. Christopher R. Garnett assumed command of the unit as it prepares for its transition to the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment in October 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
5 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — U.S. Army Col. Joseph C. Scott, left, commander of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford, outgoing commander of Task Force Talon, hold a Meritorious Service Medal certificate during an award presentation at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. Stafford was honored for his steadfast leadership and dedication to the mission during his tenure. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
6 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Capt. Alejo Lujan, commander of D Company, 1-294th Infantry Regiment, renders a salute while leading a formation of Soldiers during a change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. The transition marked the transfer of command from Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford to Lt. Col. Christopher R. Garnett. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
7 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — The Task Force Talon color guard renders a salute during the unit's change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. Task Force Talon has played a critical role in the defense of the Indo-Pacific region and Guam since its activation in 2013. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
8 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Talon salute in formation in front of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launcher during a change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. Task Force Talon plays a critical role in the defense of the Indo-Pacific region and Guam. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
9 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Soldiers of Task Force Talon render a salute in formation as the sun rises prior to the unit's change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. During the event, Lt. Col. Christopher R. Garnett assumed command from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
10 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — U.S. Army Col. Joseph C. Scott, left, commander of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, passes the unit colors to Lt. Col. Christopher R. Garnett, incoming commander of Task Force Talon, during a change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
11 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — U.S. Army Col. Joseph C. Scott, left, commander of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, pins the Meritorious Service Medal on Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford, outgoing commander of Task Force Talon, during an award presentation preceding the change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
12 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Capt. Henry Etchberger, commander of E-3, 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, salutes the official party during the Task Force Talon change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. The ceremony celebrated the successful tenure of outgoing commander Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
13 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Maj. Tsungyu Pan, the brigade chaplain, provides a brief prayer during the Task Force Talon change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
14 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford, right, outgoing commander of Task Force Talon, receives a Certificate of Appreciation from a guest during a presentation at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. The presentation preceded the official change of command ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
15 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Acting Governor of Guam Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio delivers remarks during the Task Force Talon change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. Tenorio was among the VIPs in attendance to commemorate the transition of leadership. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
16 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — A vocalist performs the national anthem during the Task Force Talon change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
17 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — U.S. Army Lt. Col. Christopher R. Garnett, outgoing commander of Task Force Talon, and distinguished guests render honors during the national anthem at the change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
18 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — Acting Governor of Guam Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio, left, presents a commemorative certificate to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford, outgoing commander of Task Force Talon, during a change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
19 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — The official party, including U.S. Army Col. Joseph C. Scott, Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford, and Lt. Col. Christopher R. Garnett, approaches the formation during the Task Force Talon change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL
Task Force Talon Change of Command 2025
20 / 20 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam — U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford, outgoing commander of Task Force Talon, addresses attendees prior to the change of command ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 16, 2025. Stafford was commended for his leadership and for ensuring mission readiness during his time in command. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Frank Spatt) (Photo Credit: Capt. Frank Spatt) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam– Task Force Talon will host a change of command ceremony on 16 December 2025 at 0900 in the Corrosion Control Hangar, BLDG 40010 on Andersen Air Force Base. This event will mark the transition of leadership from Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford to Lt. Col. Christopher R. Garnett. Since Task Force Talon’s activation in 2013, it continues to play a critical role in the defense of the Indo-Pacific region and Guam.

The ceremony will commemorate the successful tenure of Lt. Col. Stafford, who has led Task Force Talon with distinction, ensuring mission readiness and operational excellence. Lt. Col. Garnett will assume command as the final commander of Task Force Talon, as the unit prepares for the activation of 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, which is scheduled to stand up in October 2026.

Confirmed VIP Attendees:

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio, acting Governor of Guam for the week

Lt. Gov. Dennis C. Mendiola, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Tae S. Oh, Guam Chairman, Chamber of Commerce

Phillip Santos, Account Executive, Guam Chamber of Commerce

Rear Adm. Joshua Lasky, Commander, Joint Task Force - Micronesia

Brig. Gen. William Parker, Commander, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and his staff

Brig. Gen. Charles Cooley, Commander, 36th Wing

Col. Joseph C. Scott, Commander, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

Col. David Nowicki, Commander, Installation Support Functions Integration Team, and his staff

Lt. Col. Jonathan Brandt, USMC, J7, Joint Region Marianas

Media representatives interested in covering the event are encouraged to RSVP by

contacting the Public Affairs Office at usarmy.sagami.94-aamdc.mbx.38thada-publicaffairs@

army.mil.

Event Details:

Who: Outgoing Commander Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Stafford and Incoming Commander Lt.

Col. Christopher R. Garnett

What: Task Force Talon Change of Command Ceremony

When: 16 December 2025, 0900

Where: Corrosion Control Hangar, Andersen Air Force Base, BLDG 40010

Why: To commemorate the leadership of Lt. Col. Stafford and transition command to Lt.

Col. Garnett

For additional information, please contact the Public Affairs Office at usarmy.sagami.94-

aamdc.mbx.38thada-public-affairs@army.mil.