12th Combat Aviation Brigade Change of Command

Photo By Spc. Jesus Menchaca | U.S. Army Col. Patrick Schuck, incoming commander of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, sits with his family during the change of command ceremony July 9, at Hangar 2 on Katterbach Army Air Field, Katterbach, Germany. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jesus Menchaca)  

KATTERBACH, BY, GERMANY

07.09.2021

Story by Pfc. Jacob Bradford 

7th Army Training Command

ANSBACH, Germany -- The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade welcomed Col. Patrick Schuck as the new commander and bid farewell to Col. John Broam during a change of command ceremony at Hangar 2 on Katterbach Army Airfield July 9, 2021.

Broam commanded the 12th CAB from August, 2019 until the ceremony, when he passed the CAB’s colors to Schuck. The passing of the colors is an Army tradition that symbolizes the passing of responsibility from one commander to another.

Brig. Gen. Joseph E. Hilbert, commanding general for the 7th Army Training Command, hosted the ceremony and praised the 12th CAB's successes while under the command of Broam.

“Under the training of John’s leadership, this brigade has demonstrated that we are in fact Stronger Together,” Hilbert said.

“Four months after taking command, this brigade was tasked with Saber Junction,” he said. “Then a few months after that, John received the notice to alert and deploy to a mission within 30 hours that hadn’t been trained for in that past CTC rotation.”

As Hilbert stepped away from the podium, Broam stepped up to address the crowd, thanking everyone in attendance.

“I want to thank all the Griffin family in attendance, you are the strength of our Soldiers,” Broam “These Soldiers and leaders before you reached the highest levels of readiness since the restructuring initiative in 2016. They built lethal and ready teams that demonstrated the ability to respond decisively when called.”

In his final statement as outgoing commander, Broam said he was excited for the future of 12th CAB and thanked his family and fellow Soldiers.

Schuck said he is excited to return to Ansbach, Germany.

“My family and I are excited to rejoin the Ansbach community that we left about 20 years ago,” he said. “I’m blessed to join this Army family and we will sustain a disciplined and competent team as we move forward.”

Schuck also addressed the Soldiers assembled on the airfield, thanking them for their commitment and service in defense of our nation. “I am humbled and feel honored to guide and serve these aviation professionals.”

• Date Taken: 07.09.2021
• Date Posted: 07.13.2021 10:22
• Story ID: 400702
• Location: KATTERBACH, BY, DE