West Point Superintendent Visits Fort Hamilton

Photo By Mark Getman | Lt. Gen. Steven W. Gilland, superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, presented challenge coins Tuesday, Oct. 31, during a visit to the U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton. Gilland gave the coins to New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Ishael Fofana and Staff Sgt. Alecia Watson to recognize their contributions to 24-hour security operations in New York City. The operations are conducted by the New York National Guard's Joint Task Force-Empire Shield in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies. (U.S. Army photo by Mark Getman, Fort Hamilton Public Affairs)  

BAY RIDGE, NY, UNITED STATES

10.31.2023

Story by Mark Getman 

USAG Fort Hamilton

Lt. Gen. Steven W. Gilland, superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., visited U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, to gain greater understanding of the installation's history, development initiatives and the New York National Guard’s full time state active-duty homeland security mission.

During the visit, Harbor Defense Museum Director Justin Batt provided a tour highlighting the museum's history and connection to Fort Hamilton dating back to the Revolutionary War.

Fort Hamilton Community Club Manager Carolina Franco then guided Gilland through the club, emphasizing its role as a social hub for the garrison and wider community.
At the club, Gilland greeted civilian employees from Fort Hamilton’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff, and recognized Adriana Mitchell and Catherine Pak with a challenge coin for their service.

He then received a briefing from Sean Bent and Nick Protopsaltis of the Directorate of Public Works on the installation's master plan and near-term and future development projects aimed at improving quality of life and meeting mission needs.

Gilland later visited the New York National Guard's Joint Task Force-Empire Shield, where Col. Jeffrey Roth, task force commander, briefed him on JTF-ES' critical support to 24-hour security operations in New York City in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies.

Before departing to West Point, Gilland recognized New York Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Ishael Fofana and Staff Sgt. Alecia Watson for their contributions to the mission, presenting them with a challenge coin.

The visit provided Gilland with a greater understanding of Fort Hamilton’s history and community connections.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2023
• Date Posted: 11.07.2023 12:39
• Story ID: 457097
• Location: BAY RIDGE, NY, US
• Hometown: BROOKLYN, NY, US