Photo By Pfc. Cheshaon Jones | U.S. Army Col. Bre M. Washburn, chief of staff for U.S. Army Southern European Task...... read more read more
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U.S. Army Lt. Col. Christopher J. Christiana relinquished command of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Thatcher H. Merrill during a change of command ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, July 2.
The ceremony marked a seamless transition of authority, underscoring SETAF-AF’s enduring readiness and steadfast commitment to advancing security, stability and multinational partnerships.
U.S. Army Col. Bre M. Washburn, chief of staff for SETAF-AF, presided over the ceremony. She emphasized that change of command ceremonies represent more than a transfer of authority. They reinforce the continuity of leadership that enable Army units to accomplish their missions.
"We call these changes of command, but really they are about continuity," Washburn said. "A continuity of leadership enabling the unit to keep fulfilling its mission without any pause."
Reflecting on his time leading the battalion, Christiana credited the Soldiers and civilians of the battalion for its success.
"The greatest strength of the battalion was not the equipment, not the [modified table of organization and equipment], not the processes – it's undoubtedly the people," Christiana said.
As he assumed command, Merrill acknowledged the responsibilities ahead and expressed confidence in the battalion after spending time learning about its mission and personnel.
"I only began to appreciate the unique challenges that we face over the last few weeks," Merrill said. "I also sensed the easy resolve and optimism with which you address them. That leaves me humbled and hardened standing in front of this formation."
Before assuming command, Merrill served on the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., as an action officer in the J37 directorate under the deputy director for special operations.
SETAF-AF is the U.S. Army’s forward, expeditionary headquarters on the edge of three continents, built to respond quickly and operate where others cannot. The command strengthens African partners, expands crisis-response options for three combatant commands, and keeps forces ready to fight tonight.
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.07.2026 08:25 |
| Story ID: | 569255 |
| Location: | VICENZA, IT |
| Web Views: | 39 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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