Photo By Spc. Scott Lindblom | Col. Jeffrey A. Becker, incoming commander, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade reviews the...... read more read more
HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. – The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade welcomed in a new commander during a ceremony at Hunter Army Airfield Oct. 19.
The brigade and community bid farewell to outgoing Col. John D. Kline, and warmly welcomed the new commander, Col. Jeffrey A. Becker.
The brigade also welcomed in a new command chief warrant officer bidding farewell to Chief Warrant Officer 5 George Kelly and welcoming in Chief Warrant Officer 5 Timothy C. Smail.
Sending their regards all the way from Afghanistan by way of an audio message were the 3rd Infantry Division command team of Maj. Gen. Jim Rainey, currently U.S. Forces Afghanistan Deputy Commander-Support and his Senior Enlisted Advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Gilpin.
“It’s always bittersweet when we say good bye to one great commander, but we’re fortunate today that we will be welcoming in another great commander,” Rainey said.
“Jeff I’d like to welcome you. You’re stepping into big shoes but you come with a great reputation and I know you’re absolutely up to this challenge.”
The crowd was full of very important persons, military and military supporters from the local area. Also on hand was Kline’s father, United States Congressman John Kline from Minnesota. The job of master of ceremonies was colorfully handled by local celebrity Sonny Dixon.
The reviewing officer, Brig. Gen. James R. Blackburn, Task Force Marne commander spoke on the successful tenure of Kline while welcoming Becker to the division.
“It has been a real pleasure watching John Kline serve as Falcon Six with command chief Kelly by his side every step of the way,” Blackburn said. “The command climate that has been established here by this great commander and command chief has been nothing short of phenomenal.”
“Today we officially welcome Jeff Becker and Timothy Smail. Gentlemen we know you are the right leaders at the right time,” Blackburn said. “The Falcons are in very good hands indeed.”
Kline spoke about his experience commanding the Falcon brigade thanking the many soldiers, battalion commanders and command sergeants major as well as the Division leaders.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed commanding this team over the last two years,” Kline said. “The teamwork we’ve had between the division leadership and the staff has been fantastic. It’s nice to work for leaders that let you lead.”
Kline said he felt confident that he is leaving the brigade in the very capable hands of Becker.
“He has a fantastic reputation within our branch. He is the perfect choice for me to pass on the torch to,” Kline said.
Becker expressed his gratitude to be given the command of the Falcon Brigade.
“What a dream it is to be a part of this historic Marne team and be a part of the greater Savannah community,” Becker said. “It was just over 25 years ago I told my parents I was enlisting in the Army as an infantryman, headed to Germany to join the 3rd ID as a dog face Soldier. I am most humbled to rejoin this storied division and excited to join the incredible team of the Falcon Brigade.”
| Date Taken: | 10.19.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.20.2015 13:56 |
| Story ID: | 179412 |
| Location: | SAVANNAH, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 132 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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