FORT BRAGG, N.C. - With clear, blue skies and a sunny, ideal airborne day, the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg community welcomed its newest commander, Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, who assumed command at Fort Bragg’s main post parade field June 22.
Allyn, along with his wife, Debbie, sat next to the U.S. Army Forces Command Commanding General, Gen. David M. Rodriguez, during the ceremony, who placed Allen in command of the Army’s largest warfighting force.
Rodriguez welcomed Allyn and his family back to Fort Bragg and ensured the community that it was receiving a highly, efficient leader.
“It’s a special day for the Allyn family, this community, and most importantly for the soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers of the XVIII Airborne Corps,” said Rodriguez. “Today marks a special transition in the Corps Headquarters as we mark the passage of responsibility to Lt. Gen. Allyn, the 36th commander of XIII Abn. Corps.”
Allyn is a native of Berwick, Maine, and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Prior to re-joining the XVIII Abn. Corps, Allyn commanded 1st Cavalry Division including duty as the commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force-1 and Regional Command East in Afghanistan. Allyn previously served as the deputy commanding general, XVIII Abn. Corps, and Chief of Staff, XVIII Abn. Corps, including duty as chief of Staff, Multi-National Corps Iraq.
“It is so good to be home,” said Allyn, “What a great day to be a paratrooper and to be back at home to Fort Bragg. Words cannot express how excited, humbled, and blessed to return home to Fort Bragg and serve the nation’s finest at the center of the universe.”
Allyn affirmed his resolve in assuming the responsibilities as commander of America’s Contingency Corps.
“I fully accept the magnitude of this charge to lead and serve our Army’s finest Soldiers and leaders,” said Allyn. “Since the founding of the XVIII Abn. Corps 68 years ago, our legacy remains true today, which is to be our nation’s primary strategic response force.”
“It is not if, but more so when that our nation calls us to rapidly respond to global crisis, as we have throughout our history,“ Allyn added.
Allyn also acknowledged the importance and role of family members to soldiers, as their support helps in every way.
“The strength of our troopers, whether in harms way or at home station, remains in our Army families,” said Allyn. “Families are our nation’s treasure, as you all endure so much and ask so little for the love of your trooper and your country.”
“Thank you for all that you do and all that you will do for the days ahead. It is an honor to serve as your corps commander,” said Allyn.
Following his speech, Allyn concluded with a simple message to the soldiers and families of XVIII Abn. Corps and Fort Bragg.
“May God watch over all of you in the days ahead, may he continue to bless our heroes serving near and far and richly bless the United States of America. Airborne! All The Way! Dragon 6 on the net!”