Lt. Col. Holcroft assumes command of 1-1 ARB

Photo By Capt. Fernando Ochoa | Command Sgt. Maj. Neftali Santiago, 1-1 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Task Force Gunfighters command sergeant major, Lt. Col. Robert Holcroft, 1-1 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, TF Gunfighters commander, Col. H. Allan Cutchin, 244th Combat Aviation Brigade, TF Warhawk commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Rogelio James, 244th Combat Aviation Brigade, TF Warhawk command sergeant major, were in attendance at the change of command ceremony for the 1-1 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, TF Gunfighters, in Erbil, Iraq June 18, 2019.  

ERBIL, IRAQ

06.18.2019

Story by Capt. Fernando Ochoa 

244th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

ERBIL, Iraq – Col. Chris Black, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade commander, presided over the change of command ceremony for the 1-1 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Task Force Gunfighters, 244th Combat Aviation Brigade, TF Warhawk, transferring the unit colors to Lt. Col. Robert Holcroft from Lt. Col. Glenn McQuown, in Erbil, Iraq June 18, 2019.

Lt. Col. Holcroft, received his commission in 2002 upon graduating from Boise State University. Following graduation from initial entry rotary wing training, he served in various positions of increased responsibility in both the 1st Armored Division and 1st Cavalry Division. Most recently, he completed a tour at Headquarters, Department of the Army as the executive officer for the Director of Army Aviation.

The formal transfer of authority and responsibility for the unit took place when Command Sgt. Maj. Neftali Santiago, who is the keeper of the colors, passed the colors to Lt. Col. McQuown, representing the outgoing commander. He then passed the colors to Col. Black who was the representative of the higher command, symbolizing the relinquishment of his command. The higher commander then delivered the colors to Lt. Col. Holcroft. Finally, the new commander passed the colors back to the command sergeant major, who is charged with protecting it.

During Lt. Col. McQuown’s closing remarks, he said how much of an honor it was leading this aviation battalion. He thanked every man and woman who helped him accomplish the mission, including Command Sgt. Maj. Santiago who had been there from day one.

“Taking command of this incredible organization, under combat conditions, is a humbling yet exciting opportunity,” said Lt. Col. Holcroft. “The idea of leading an aviation task force comprised of Soldiers from across all three Army components, encompassing the span of aviation machines and mission sets, and the empowerment of junior leaders to execute across nearly a dozen locations throughout five countries, is an incredible responsibility.”

Special guests included Col. H. Allan Cutchin, 244th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Warhawk commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Rogelio James, 244th Combat Aviation Brigade, TF Warhawk command sergeant major.

The 1-1 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, TF Gunfighters, is an attack aviation battalion, an active component organization and is combined with aviation assets from the Army National Guard and United States Army Reserve, to build a task force consisting of personnel and aircraft specialized in attack/reconnaissance operations, medical evacuation, air assault and passenger/equipment transport.

• Date Taken: 06.18.2019
• Date Posted: 07.10.2019 13:53
• Story ID: 330771
• Location: ERBIL, IQ