Flying Dragons welcome new commander

News: Flying Dragons welcome new commander

United States Army Alaska

Subscribe To This Unit

Story by Staff Sgt. Patricia McMurphy Subscribe To This Journalist

Staff Sgt. Patricia McMurphy

The 16th Combat Aviation Brigade commander Col. Robert P. Dickerson marches back with Lt. Col. John Knightstep and Lt. Col. James Dimon the outgoing and incoming commanders of the 1st Brigade, 52nd Aviation Regiment, after a pass in review of the troops during the 1/52nd Change of Command ceremony July 9.

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, welcomed their new commander, Lt. Col. James E. Dimon, during a change of command ceremony here July 9.

After assuming command of the “Flying Dragons,” Dimon turned his focus to his new soldiers and addressed them about the challenges they will face as the battalion prepares for its next mission.

“I am honored and humbled to serve with you. This battalion has distinguished itself though many great accomplishments over the last several years and I look forward to continuing this tradition with you,” Dimon said.

Dimon assumed command from Lt. Col. John H. Knightstep, who commanded the battalion for the last two years and though several deployments.

“Nobody is more filled with sorrow than I to be leaving this battalion, this has been one of the most difficult ceremonies for me to say farewell,” Knightstep said. “I truly love the “Flying Dragons”.

Before assuming command of the 1-52nd, Dimon served as the chief of Training, Exercise and Readiness Division (J37) for Joint Forces Headquarters-National Capital Region/United States Military District of Washington at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.

Connected Media