By Staff Sgt. Taikeila Chancey
USARCENT Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – Col. Benjamin Matthews, 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment outgoing commander, and Atlanta native, prepares for his upcoming change of command ceremony, Dec. 4 at Lucky Park, here at Patton Hall. Matthews will relinquish command to incoming commander Col. Robert Agans.
“A change of command ceremony is an Army tradition that I’m looking forward to, said Matthews. We’re taking this opportunity to put our little unique detachment, comprised of 74 soldiers, on display. The 4th BCD is one of five BCDs across the entire U.S. Army.”
The 4th BCD is a major subordinate command of U.S. Army Central which serves as the liaison between ground and air components to facilitate and synchronize air and ground operations within its assigned area of responsibility. The 4th BCD conducts split-based operations, serving as the Army liaison to U.S. Air Force Central and 9th Air Force Headquarters at Shaw Air Force Base, and serves as the liaison between U.S. Forces-Iraq, International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and the U.S. Central Command Combined Forces Air Component Commander at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center in the CENTCOM AOR.
“The 4th BCD is unique because it’s an Army entity that operates on an Air Force base. Our relationship with the 20th Fighter Wing and AFCENT has been phenomenal. The medical group staff has done an outstanding job ensuring our medical readiness for deployments. We have received nothing less than first-class support,” said Matthews.
“AFCENT has obliged the 4th BCD with this great piece of real estate to perform our daily duties. Our work facility has first-class accommodations and state-of-the-art technology that allows me to command and control split-base operations,” said Matthews.
“During my time in command, I have learned no matter where you go and what you do, soldiers are soldiers. If you provide soldiers with a clear, concise intent, there is nothing they can’t accomplish,” he said.
“I have truly enjoyed and greatly appreciate the relationship I have developed with 20th FW, AFCENT, and the entire Sumter community,” he said.