FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii- The 205th Military Intelligence Battalion, welcomes Lt. Col. Scott H. Starr, incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at historic Palm Circle on Fort Shafter, Hawaii June. 27.
Col. David P. Elsen, commander 500th Military Intelligence Brigade-Theater, presided over the ceremony where Lt. Col. Wayne E. Prince relinquished command to Starr with the passing of the Battalion colors.
Starr, a native of Cleveland, Tennessee, most recently served as the Professor of Military Science at Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama. He comes with a reputation of exceptional leadership, and will without a doubt take the 205th MI Battalion to the next level.
Elsen welcomed Starr and his family to the Pacific Vanguard team and congratulated him on taking the Battalion command.
"Colonel Elsen, thank you for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity," said Starr. "It is a true blessing, and I am both honored and humbled that I have the opportunity to lead the 205th team and return to Hawaii. I am ecstatic to be here."
Elsen highlighted the Battalion's accomplishments and noted under Prince's leadership, some examples of both collective and individual achievements.
"Needless to say, this Battalion is right at the center of intelligence activities in support of the U.S. Army Pacific," said Elsen. "But not only that, their intelligence support extends multiple echelons of Army units both across the Pacific and back in the continental U.S., and also to our sister services, Coalition Partners, and Allies."
After the passing of the colors, Prince gave his remarks, thanking the 205th MI Battalion Soldiers, civilians and families for their hard work and support during his command.
"To the soldiers and civilians of the 205th MI Battalion, you have built a tremendous reputation throughout the intelligence community and truly are the premier intelligence organization in the Pacific," said Prince. "I am deeply humbled to have served among you. We don't get to these positions in the Army on our own -- we get here through the teamwork, initiative and boundless energy of our soldiers and civilians working together towards common goals and I truly thank every one of you for all that you have done, and for all you will continue to do for the Army."
The change of command ceremony symbolizes a peaceful military transition of power that recognizes the outgoing commander's accomplishments while welcoming the incoming commander to the organization.