Stingrays' changes command

Courtesy Photo | Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division (Task Force Lightning) and Multinational Division-North, speaks to Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment about the recent extension of U.S. Army Soldiers during a change of responsibility ceremony held at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, April 15. (Photo by Spc. Bryanna Poulin)  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

04.19.2007

Courtesy Story

25th Combat Aviation Brigade

By Spc. Bryanna Poulin
25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

TIKRIT, Iraq -- A ceremony to publicly commence the official change of command for Company A, 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment "Stingrays," took place at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, April 15.

Capt. Kristina L. Connelly, former commander of Company A, passed responsibility to Capt. Lane P. Cutler, former flight platoon leader for Company E, 2nd Bn., 25th Aviation Regt.

"Capt. Connelly was responsible for performing the challenging tasks of commanding a formation that had a unique training inset," Lt. Col. Michael Fleetwood, 3-25 commander, said during the ceremony. "Her effective leadership was in direct support for her senior leaders ... as a commander she led from the front in every single endeavor, never asking her Soldiers to do something that she wouldn't do herself."

"Commanding the Stingrays has been the best experience in my Army career," said Connelly who was commissioned as a second lieutenant from the United States

Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., and has flown more than 400 hours as a pilot during her command.

"By her meticulous actions, and strict command discipline she has established, she leaves the company in a tremendous state of readiness and training," Fleetwood said.

"We will continue to provide aviation professionalism and excellence," Cutler, who was also commissioned as a second lieutenant from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point concluded. "I am honored and ready to accept the challenge as commander."

Also attending the ceremony were Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division "Task Force Lightning" and Multinational Division-North, Brig. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, deputy commanding general support, 25th ID, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Taylor, 25th ID.

• Date Taken: 04.19.2007
• Date Posted: 04.19.2007 12:01
• Story ID: 10010
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ