25th Infantry Division Welcomes VanAntwerp, Farewells West Point-Bound Bartholomees

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – The 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army Hawaii welcomed a new commanding general Aug. 6, 2026, during a Change of Command Ceremony on Weyand Field.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey A. VanAntwerp assumed command of the historic “Tropic Lightning” division from Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees before an audience of distinguished guests, family members, and Soldiers.

VanAntwerp is no stranger to the Tropic Lightning Division, having previously served both as an infantry platoon leader in Hawaii and as the division’s deputy commander for operations.

Lt. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general of I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, served as the reviewing officer for the ceremony and presided over the traditional passing of the unit colors.

During the ceremony, McFarlane praised the division’s readiness and highlighted the outstanding career paths of both commanders.

“We stand here today in Hawaii, but the soul of this division was forged in the dense jungles and rugged mountains of the Western Pacific,” McFarlane said.

He congratulated Bartholomees on his next assignment, noting that “there is no finer officer suited to shape the next generation of Army leadership” as superintendent of the United States Military Academy. McFarlane also highlighted VanAntwerp’s rare, lifelong connection to the unit. “But what’s truly remarkable about [VanAntwerp] is his connection to this division ... From second lieutenant to major general, the 25th Infantry Division is the only division he’s ever served in,” McFarlane said. “He knows its terrain, he knows its people, [and] he knows its culture. ... I have absolute confidence that you are the right leader to guide this division as we continue to write history in the Pacific.”

Bartholomees, who successfully led the division through numerous multinational exercises and transformation initiatives, is departing Hawaii for his next assignment. On July 16, 2026, the Secretary of War announced his nomination for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general and assignment as the superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Reflecting on his tenure, Bartholomees expressed his deep gratitude to the Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division and the local Hawaii community.

“While it may appear that this ceremony is about two generals, the time-honored tradition of the Army change of command is designed specifically to place the focus on the formation, on the colors…,” Bartholomees said. “Serving as your commanding general has been the privilege of a lifetime. You’ve inspired me through your tenacity, your winning attitude, and your ingenuity.”

Bartholomees welcomed back VanAntwerp to the only division he has ever known in the Army.

“Jeff, welcome back to the only division in the Army you know. It is awesome, and I could not think of anyone better to come in. You bring years of operational experience across the Pacific, a vision for how to fight this division, and an enduring commitment to the future of Hawaii.”

Following the passing of the organizational colors, VanAntwerp took the podium to address the division for the first time as its commanding general, expressing his commitment to maintaining the unit’s legendary combat readiness and strong community partnerships.

“In one form or another, this is the only tactical division I’ve ever served in, and really the most formative times of my life, both professionally and personally, happened in this division,” VanAntwerp said.

He contrasted the division’s clear-cut regional focus with other military commands that often navigate competing or fragmented operational demands.

“We have a very singular focus,” he said. “We have a very clear mission in a very confusing and ambiguous world. Our mission is unambiguous, and we’re going to get after it.”

The ceremony showcased the rich traditions of the U.S. Army, featuring a mass formation of battalions representing the entire division, performances by the 25th Infantry Division Band, and a traditional cultural performance by the division’s Hui Ha’a Demonstration team. A Salute Battery from the 25th Infantry Division Artillery rendered honors to the command group during the event.

The 25th Infantry Division, established in Hawaii in 1941, remains a vital force-projection element in the Pacific region, prepared to conduct decisive combat operations and security cooperation missions alongside regional allies and partners.