ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - “Captain, take command of your company.”
With that time-honored phrase, Capt. Ivan N. Cho became commander of the 264 Soldier Headquarters and Headquarters Company for the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command on Mar. 31.
“Ivan is an explosive ordnance disposal officer who has served as a platoon leader as well as the commander for the 759th Ordnance Company,” said Hilburgh, a native of New York City and the command’s chief of staff. “We are moving him from his current position as the EOD officer for the nuclear disablement team, one where he has excelled. Ivan understands the mission and importance of his duties as Defender 6.”
The brief ceremony, at the Stark Recreation Center on Aberdeen Proving Ground-Edgewood Area, marked another milestone in the career of this Los Angeles, California, native, a 2011 U.S. Military Academy graduate with a civil engineering degree.
“I see command as helping people. I am here to both lead and help a wide variety of Soldiers,” said Cho.
Cho assumes command at a significant time for the HHC. In addition to the usual challenges of command, he will lead the company as it prepares to move to the new $73 million, two-building complex on Aberdeen Proving Ground – North. While the buildings are nearing completion, they will be ready for occupancy at different times. The HHC is scheduled to move in mid-May to its new spaces in Building 5046. However, Cho will lead his team to serve Soldiers with split operations until August when the rest of the command moves from the Edgewood Area.
The ceremony included a powerful “a cappella” rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner by 1st Lt. Shavon Holman, a native of Anniston, Alabama.
Master Sgt. Baffour Agbey, the interim HHC first sergeant, stood in front of the 27 Soldiers representing the company until Cho took his leadership position at the front.
Hilburgh emphasized to Cho that “Your selection for this command shows the degree of trust and confidence that the Army, Brig. Gen. James Bonner, and Command Sgt. Maj. Hodgkins have in you. I look forward to working with you and seeing all of the great things HHC will continue to do under your leadership.”