Lt. Gen. Perry L. Wiggins' promotion and assumption of command ARNORTH

U.S. Army North
Story by Luis Deya

Date: 09.04.2013
Posted: 09.04.2013 17:14
News ID: 113081
Army North changes command

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Lt. Gen. Perry Wiggins took command of Army North Sept. 4 from Lt. Gen. William Caldwell IV during a ceremony at the historic Quadrangle.

As the commanding general of Army North, Wiggins is also the senior commander of Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis. Caldwell has served as the CG since Dec. 30, 2011.

Before Wiggins could assume command, there was one thing he had to do … get formally promoted to lieutenant general.

The ceremony, which took place right before the change of command, was presided over by Caldwell. This was Caldwell’s last official duty as commanding general, U.S. Army North.

Caldwell said that Wiggins’ promotion gave him confidence in the Army’s leadership.

“When people like you are selected, soldiers that are well-rounded, with true integrity, deep character, passion for the mission … I feel confident that we will be better than we’ve ever been,” he said.

The change of command ceremony was presided over by Gen. Charles Jacoby Jr., commanding general of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.

As tradition dictates, Caldwell relinquished command by passing the unit’s colors, which symbolizes command, to Jacoby, who then passed it to Wiggins, thus endowing him with the authority of command, and formally recognizing him as the commanding general of Army North.