SEMBACH, Germany – The 510th Regional Support Group, 7th Mission Support Command, changed leadership on May 19, 2019 as Col. Alexis M. Wells handed over the colors to Col. Aaron J. Justice during a change of command ceremony at Sembach Kaserne, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany.
Wells has led the way for the past 17 months preparing the unit for its activation this September. During his tenure, the previously inactive U.S. Army Reserve unit has become a fully staffed command, prepared to take on nearly a dozen subordinate units within the 7th MSC’s footprint.
“Col. Wells was chosen as the initial commander because he is a visionary,” said Brig. Gen. Fred Maiocco, 7th MSC commanding general. “He has been on the ground level to assist us with this concept and he understood full well the importance of making this a credible unit that would contribute to the deterrence (within) U.S. Army Europe.”
Wells had been simultaneously serving as the deputy commanding officer for the 7th MSC. He’s now preparing to return home to the United States, where he will be retiring with his wife Amy and their seven children after nearly 30 years of service in the Army.
His final act as commander was to officially open the offices of the 510th on Sembach with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 17, signaling the long journey from the idea that was the RSG to a permanent structure ready to move forward into activation.
“Most importantly, I want to thank the Soldiers of the 510th RSG,” said Wells. “Their efforts over the last 17 months have made this event possible and they continue to act with distinction to maintain the legacy of the 510th.”
The torch has now been passed to Justice, who will be taking the unit across the finish line as they prepare for activation on Sept. 30th. He previously stood up the 446th Movement Control Battalion and served as their first battalion commander prior to his assignment to the 510th.
“It’s always an honor to lead Soldiers, to work with them and learn from them,” said Justice. “The 510th RSG is a new unit to Europe. It will be interesting setting the standards of what it can do and what’s expected of it as it supports U.S. Army Europe.”