FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii—U.S. Army Pacific, Change of Responsibility ceremony formally introduced Command Sgt. Maj. Bryant Lambert as the USARPAC senior enlisted adviser, July 24 on Fort Shafter’s historic Palm Circle.
Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Leota, USARPAC senior enlisted adviser transferred responsibility to Lambert by the ceremonial passing of the colors during the ceremony.
Gen. Vincent Brooks, USARPAC commanding general was the ceremonies presiding and welcomed Lambert with the Aloha spirit into the “One Team” Family.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Lambert, welcome to the Indo-Pacific region,” said Brooks. “We are all excited to have you in position, and I am counting on you to be who you are and help me lead this command.”
Brooks also said that he anticipated Lambert to follow his instincts and make a big impact throughout the Pacific region.
Lambert became USARPAC’s 19th command sergeant major. During the ceremony, Lambert showed some of his character by being precise, direct, and keeping the Soldiers in consideration.
“I will enforce the commander’s intent, his set priorities and end-stated desires,” said Lambert.
Lambert thanked Brooks for the opportunity to serve as his senior adviser. He also thanked Leota for their friendship and leadership over the years.
Brooks also thanked Leota and his family for their years of service and sacrifices to the nation.
“Command Sgt. Maj. Leota, you have served our nation and this command exceedingly well,” said Brooks. “I am personally grateful to you for being an outstanding battle buddy and wing man over the last year.”
With the traditional passing of colors from Brooks to Lambert, responsibility as USARPAC’s senior enlisted adviser was transferred to Lambert.
The passing of the colors signifies the key role of the noncommissioned officer corps as the guardian and protector of the colors, and the men and women who serve to protect them.
During the change of command, Brooks said that he was grateful for his command sergeants’ majors and they were prime examples of guardians of the colors.
“The U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer Corps has earned the respect of our Nation, the admiration of many foreign countries, and the reputation as the backbone of our Army,” said Brooks. “It is because of people like Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Leota and Bryant Lambert. I’m so thankful that I get to be in the same Army with such men as these.”