13th Missile Defense Battery Change of Command
ISRAEL
04.11.2018
Story by Capt. William Duvall
678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade
The 13th Missile Defense Battery (MDB) held a change of command ceremony, as Capt. Douglas Brown relinquished command to Capt. Brett Koniarz, attended by U.S. Army Col. David E. Shank, commander, 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command, Col. Richard A. Wholey Jr., commander 678th Air Defense Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, April 10, 2018, Israel.
Soldiers from the unit, headquartered outside of Tel Aviv, took part in a ceremony which was attended by both U.S. and allied Israeli Armed Forces service members.
“Capt. Brown was tasked with the growth of the unit and with the sustainment of other sites,” said Shank. “We are thankful for his leadership and his commitment to the unit and the U.S. Army.”
He went on to share with the Soldiers the unique position as the commander in this assignment and the significance of the overall military mission and the partnership with our Israel allies.
Capt. Douglas Brown, talked about the success of the mission was because of the troops under his command.
“My soldiers all had to step outside of their normal MOS training to wear multiple hats,” said Brown. “We started with six (soldiers) and accomplished more that some batteries with five times as many soldiers.”
During the visit, Brown received the Army Commendation Medal, presented by Wholey for his outstanding work during his time as commander.
Assuming Command of the 13th MDB, Capt. Brett Koniarz wanted to express his deepest appreciation for the opportunity to serve as the commander of this great unit.
“To the soldiers of the 13th MDB, and the contractors that operate this site, I am excited to work with each of you,” said Koniarz. “I look forward to the experience and the growth of the unit and the development of its leaders.”
Koniarz wanted to publically thank his family, especially his wife who could not be there for the ceremony, by saying, “With their support, all things are possible.”
“Brett is welcomed here to the site, he is a fully qualified soldier that will bring years of experience to the fight,” added Shank.
Both Brown and Koniarz were thankful for the help of the Israeli Air Defense Academy personnel and the help of several of the contractors in attendance. The gathering concluded with a light social gathering.