STORCK BARRACKS, GERMANY – The 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division held a brigade Change of Command on July 19, 2019, where the outgoing commander, Col. Chris Black, relinquished his command to Col. Bryan Chivers.
While some might see this event as just handing the brigade colors from one commander to the next, it holds much more significance. As a military tradition that represents the transfer of authority, the action of passing the colors comes with much responsibility and sacrifice.
The 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, under the command of Col. Black, was led through rigorous inspections such as the Aviation Resource Management Survey (ARMS). This is the U.S. Army’s external evaluation of training, safety and maintenance procedures.
Major General John Kolasheski, commander, 1st Infantry Division said, “This brigade’s exemplary performance received laudatory remarks from senior leaders across the aviation enterprise.”
Along with preparing for the ARMS inspection, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade provided mobility, reconnaissance and lethal fires in support of multiple training exercises, and two rotations supporting global operations in Europe and the Middle East.
Capitalizing on the gains received while training with different brigades, Col. Black lead the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade through ‘Demon Focus’ and ‘Demon Challenge’ exercises for crew weapons qualification and gunnery tables before heading to the National Training Center (NTC).
Shortly after returning from NTC, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade began recovery operations and preparing for their rotation to Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve.
“At the port of Zeebrugge the Demons looked like wolves, as they came off the boat” Kolasheski said. “Their presence and demeanor alone instilled confidence in our allies and put any advisories on notice."
Col. Chris Black joined the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade in 2017 after serving as the Executive Officer for the Commanding General of USASOC. His previous command positions include: 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) Platoon Leader, Liaison Officer to the 75th Ranger Regiment, Headquarters Company Commander, Deputy Regimental Operations Officer, Flight Company Commander and Battalion Executive Officer. COL Black left the 160th in 2008 and was assigned to US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) in Fort Bragg, NC. While in USASOC, COL Black served as the plans and operations officer for the Directorate of Special Operations Aviation and as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of USASOC. COL Black then served as the Professor of Military Science at Vanderbilt University. After Vanderbilt, COL Black commanded 3rd Battalion, 160th SOAR.
“I stand here today humbled and honored to be with the Soldiers of this brigade, this division, and the communities and families,” said Col. Black.
During the ceremony, Col. Black passed command of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade to the leadership of Col. Bryan Chivers.
“I am happy to serve the sons and daughters of this nation,” said Col. Bryan Chivers. “I look forward to fighting, flying, fixing and fueling in the great Demon brigade.”