‘Over the Shore’ battalion welcomes new commander

Joint Base Langley-Eustis
Story by Sgt. Stefanie Warner

Date: 06.27.2014
Posted: 06.30.2014 14:32
News ID: 134879
‘Over the Shore’ battalion welcomes new commander

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The 11th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) hosted a change of command ceremony at Fort Story, Va., June 27. The "Over the Shore" battalion welcomed U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mondrey O. McLaurin, as the new battalion commander and bid farewell to Lt. Col. Karl S. Linderman, the outgoing commander.

“I am deeply humbled to stand here today as the new commander of this outstanding organization. This is truly a blessing that I value with all my heart,” said McLaurin.

Col. Randal Nelson, commander 7th Trans. Bde. (Ex), addressed the audience about the battalion to include their recent Joint Logistics over the Shore, in Anchorage, Alaska.

“The soldiers of the 11th Trans. Bat. literally came over the shore demonstrating the Joint Logistics over the Shore and terminal operations capability. JLOTS in Alaska, they successfully built a 350-person task force that executed with precision safely. Operations included heavy crane right at the waters edge and staging humanitarian relief supplies,” said Nelson.

Nelson added, “Exceptional performance is a trend in this battalion. You can leave the battalion area knowing you gave a 100 percent, left nothing on the table, and you hit it out of the park. You are an exceptional officer; we wish you the best in your future endeavors.”

After offering his best wishes, he turned his attention to McLaurin standing in front of the formation.

“We are very excited to welcome the McLaurin family, looking at your resume you are exactly who we need to take the guidon,” said Nelson. “A well seasoned transporter with a great reputation. Welcome to the ‘Resolute’ family.”

McLaurin, a native of Laurinburg, N.C., was commissioned into the Army from the ROTC program at Shaw University as a Transportation Corps officer. His most recent assignment was Human Resource Command as an assignment officer for field grade logistics lieutenant colonels at Fort Knox, Ky.

“Thank you for the opportunity to command in the ‘Resolute’ brigade, thank you for your leadership and mentorship, you’ve fostered a good environment built on a foundation of trust which was critical to the success of this battalion,” said Linderman. “These soldiers are the best there are and they will break their backs to support you and I know you’ll provide the leadership they deserve in return. I wish you all the best on your command tour.”

Linderman, a native of Cuba, N.Y., after graduating from Tulane University, he was commissioned into the Transportation Corps in May of 1995. Linderman’s next assignment will be at Fort Lee, Va., in the Office for the Chief of Transportation, as the deputy for proponency.