SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii personnel welcomed Capt. Parris Watson, incoming commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, USAG-HI, in a change of command ceremony at Watts Field, here, Aug. 16.
Capt. Apollo Williams, outgoing commander, HHD, offered some parting wisdom for the new commander and longtime friend.
"This unit is a complex and unique creature," Williams said. "(This is) an organization with Soldiers assigned to more than seven different directorates spread out over four different Army installations on two separate islands.
"(This is) an organization where about 30 percent of the personnel outrank you, 20 percent of the personnel are the same rank, and the other 50 percent -- well, good luck tracking them all down at the same time," Williams added, with a chuckle.
Williams emphasized the sometimes-unheralded garrison mission.
"Much of our mission goes unnoticed, sometimes taken for granted," he explained. "However, that doesn't stop our outstanding Soldiers and civilians within the HHD, USAG-HI organization. They are some of the most stellar, hard-working and customer service-oriented professionals I've had the privilege of working with."
As incoming commander, Watson will rely upon firsthand garrison knowledge, most recently serving as operations officer, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. He also will rely on his friend Williams, who will move nearby to the headquarters of the 25th Infantry Division.
During his remarks, Watson offered humbled recognition of the forewarned, unwieldy challenge that lies ahead.
"I am proud to command (the) United States Army Garrison-Hawaii Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment," Watson said, "and I am looking forward to all the challenges and benefits this assignment has to offer."
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