3rd ABCT welcomes a new Hammer 6

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Knowles | Brig. Gen. James Blackburn, commander of Task Force Marne, hands the unit colors of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, to Col. Michael J. Simmering, the incoming commander of the 3rd ABCT, during a change of commander ceremony held at McGinnis-Wickam Hall, Fort Benning, Ga., May 29. The outgoing commander, Col. Charles Costanza, was described as a beacon of inspiration and calm for his troops, by Blackburn. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Aaron Knowles, 3rd ABCT, 3rd ID, PAO).  

FORT BENNING, GA, UNITED STATES

05.29.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Aaron Knowles 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FORT BENNING, Ga. - Col. Michael J. Simmering, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, assumed command of the brigade during a ceremony held at McGinnis-Wickam Hall, on Fort Benning, May 29.

The brigade change of command was the culminating ceremony in nearly two weeks of continuous ceremonies affecting each of the command teams within the 3rd ABCT.
From May 18 until May 29, at least one change of command ceremony was held each weekday, transitioning control of one of six battalions within the brigade to a new incoming commander.

Brig. Gen. James Blackburn, the Task Force Marne Commander and guest speaker at the 3rd ABCT change of command ceremony, described Costanza and his wife, Megan, as an illumination round on a battlefield.

“Their light brings calm and inspiration to those troops,” Blackburn said.

Blackburn continued his metaphor for Simmering describing his glow as the afterburner of a rocket; ready to take the 3rd ABCT even further as he takes command.
The ceremony ended with the traditional singing of the Dog-Faced Soldier Song, the Army Song, and then concluded with a reception following the ceremony.

• Date Taken: 05.29.2015
• Date Posted: 06.02.2015 10:58
• Story ID: 165182
• Location: FORT BENNING, GA, US