25th CAB changes its command wings

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Montello | Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commander, 25th Infantry Division, passes the 25th Combat...... read more read more

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Montello | Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commander, 25th Infantry Division, passes the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade's colors to the new incoming commander Col. Mike Lundy during the unit's change of command ceremony at Sills Field, Jan. 17. (U.S. Army photo/Sgt. 1st Class Michael A. Montello)  see less | View Image Page

UNITED STATES

01.23.2008

Courtesy Story

25th Combat Aviation Brigade

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Staff Sgt. Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
25th Infantry Division Public Affairs

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS – The reins of command changed for the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, also known as 'Wings of Lightning,' during a ceremony, hosted by the 25th Infantry Division commander, at Sills Field, Jan. 17.

Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, 25th ID's commanding general, hosted the change of command in front of a crowded audience as Col. Mike Lundy assumed command from Col. A.T. Ball.

During the ceremony, Mixon took the opportunity to recognize the 25th CAB's achievements during the recent deployment to northern Iraq as distinguished guests such as Lt. Gen. John M. Brown III, commanding general, U.S. Army, Pacific, looked on.

"Simply put, I can say without hesitation, that the success achieved by Task Force Lightning in Iraq is, in large part, due to the actions of this brigade and its Soldiers. Under the dynamic leadership of Col. Ball, they prepared for deployment and went to the National Training Center, conducting one of the largest deployments of an aviation brigade to the NTC in recent history."

The Tropic Lightning Division commander described the brigade's performance under Ball's leadership as being "with a vigor and aggressive spirit unmatched by any other combat aviation brigade."

"I credit the superb and hard-charging leadership of Col. A.T. Ball, along with the outstanding Army aviators and Soldiers you see on the field, with breaking the back of the enemy resistance in Task Force Lightning's area of responsibility," said Mixon, addressing the crowd.

"You have led this brigade magnificently," he added, hinting at the brigade's success.

According to the division's operational statistics, the 25th CAB conducted over 30,000 missions during their deployment. This translated to over 206,000 hours of flight time while transporting over 148,000 Soldiers and more than 5,555 tons of cargo.

As Ball spoke during the ceremony, he thanked his family, friends, mentors, support staffs and commanders before addressing the heart and soul of the brigade.

"To the warrant officers, NCOs (non-commissioned officer) and Soldiers of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade. It is you that I have the most respect and appreciation for ... you are the pride of your generation – the next 'greatest generation' and you continue to prove it with each passing day."

The outgoing commander's leadership and camaraderie was not lost on his Soldiers and staff, especially his NCOs.

"First of all, he's one of the most intelligent people I've ever worked around," said Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Kingston, brigade command sergeant major. "Very innovative, [he] thinks way outside the box and he understands all these complex platforms that we use in aviation and integrated them to meet the Division commander's intent. He's a smart guy."

The CAB's senior enlisted Soldier continued describing Ball's work ethic and demeanor.

"He's very personable and his love and care for the Soldiers mirrors the same way I feel," said Kingston. "So it's been a joy to work with someone that understands it's not about rank or privilege. It's about responsibility."

Sgt. Josh Sneed, who worked directly for Ball as the brigade command group NCO in charge, had similar words of endearment for his former commander.

"His knowledge was invaluable [and he was] a very intelligent guy," said Sneed. [He] genuinely cares for Soldiers and his open door policy was 'always open.'" He would never refuse a Soldier that wanted to talk to the brigade commander."

When asked what he would remember most, Sneed cited his sense of humor.

"A lot of people don't see it, but just working with him, he's got a great sense of humor," said Sneed.

During the ceremony, Mixon welcomed Lundy, a former 25th ID commander, back to the command team.

"Col. Mike Lundy is no stranger to high-performing units," said Mixon. "The Army could not have selected a more qualified aviator and leader to take charge of this great brigade."

Likewise, Lundy's Soldiers certainly don't anticipate any drop off in performance.

"[I expect] the same intensity and same desire and drive as Col. Ball," said Sneed.

"I believe he will continue to build on everything that Col. Ball has started here," said Kingston. "I think we'll see him build on the training aspects of Soldiers. He'll have more time to train them."

Lundy spoke briefly during the ceremony and expressed his gratitude as he rejoined the Tropic Lightning family.

"I'd like to say the Lundys are very excited to be back in the Tropic Lightning family. I am honored and humbled and assure you the brigade will be ready when called," he said.

"Finally, to the Soldiers of the brigade – I am humbled to be counted among your ranks again. You epitomize the very best in Army aviation," said Lundy. "You're combat-proven warriors, focused on a sole purpose, which is to provide lethal and agile aviation support to the Soldier on the ground so he can survive, fight and win."

Following the ceremony, Soldiers spoke of the legacy and high standard Ball left behind.

"[He's] the greatest 25th CAB commander in history, in my opinion," said Sneed, who has been in the brigade for five years. "I think the bar is as high as it can get."