20th Public Affairs Detachment

Story by 1st Lt. Pamela Dampeer

AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar - A transfer of authority ceremony from the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade to the 31st ADA Brigade took place at the BCP Theater, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Aug. 15.

Col. Daniel L. Karbler, 31st ADA, brigade commander, assumed command authority for the Central Command Air Defense Brigade Headquarters Patriot Mission from Col. Joseph P. DeAntona, 11th ADA, brigade commander.

The ceremony began with the casing of the 11th ADA colors, and the uncasing of the 31st ADA colors.

Maj. Gen. Charles Anderson, Third Army/U.S. Army Central, deputy commanding general, was the guest speaker for the event. Anderson spoke about the extraordinary job that the 11th ADA accomplished during their 10 month mission, which was part of the largest and most enduring Patriot Mission in the history of the Air Defense Artillery Branch.

Anderson, who was the former commander of the 31st ADA, also commented on his confidence in Karbler and the 31st ADA BDE HQ.

"It's good to see the 31st ADA back in the [area of responsibility]," said Anderson.

Outgoing commander, DeAntona, talked about the broad mission statement given when they received the CENTCOM mission. He praised the USARCENT and the 32nd Air and Missile Defense Command teams for their support of him and the 11th ADA during the mission.

DeAntona also complimented the 11th ADA Soldiers for their overall improvement throughout their 10 month deployment physically, mentally, and tactically

"We are proud to stand here today and pass on this mission with confidence that you will continue this mission professionally and proficiently," stated DeAntona to the Soldiers of the 31st ADA. DeAntonta closed his speech with quote from Vince Lombardi, "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious."

Karbler started his speech by recognizing Anderson as a "Distinguished 31st ADA Alumnus," and continued by thanking Brig. Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Commander, for the 31st ADA's reception into Al Udeid Air Base.

"The familiar colors of the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade are prepared to assume the mission," said Karbler.

Karbler closed by challenging the 31st ADA Soldiers.

"Though this mission has critical importance to the highest levels of our national government and Department of Defense, keep in mind that the daily support you provide to the Soldiers at the Patriot Battalions and batteries will be the true indicator of our mission execution," said Karbler.

The transfer of authority was followed by a reception hosted by 31st ADA for the 11th ADA as both a thank you and a farewell.

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