FORT BRAGG, N.C.- Command Sgt. Maj. James Journigan relinquished responsibility of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) to Command Sgt. Maj. Brice Jackson during a change of responsibility ceremony Dec. 11, 2025 at the 82nd Airborne Division Patio, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Col. Robert Beale, commander of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, served as the presiding official of the change of responsibility ceremony.
Distinguished guests included Maj. Gen. Brandon Tegtmeier commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Randolph Delapena, senior advisor of the 82nd Airborne Division. Brigade command teams from across the division were also present. After the formation of the troops, gifts were presented to family members of both the Journigan and Jackson families. Honors to the nation were rendered.
"Moments like this mark more than just a change of leadership," said Beale. "They mark a new chapter in the history of this brigade."
The ceremony's core is the passing of the colors, symbolizing the unit's lineage and heritage. Master Sgt. Jonathan Cherry, non-commissioned officer in charge of the ceremony,handed Journigan the brigade colors. As a symbol of relinquishmentof responsibility and authority, Journigan passed the colors to Beale. Beale handed the colors to Jackson, charging him with the inherent responsibility as the brigade's senior enlisted advisor.
“The Command Sgt. Maj. in many ways is the soul of the formation," Beale continued. "It is the Command Sgt. Maj. who makes sure that our soldiers are trained, disciplined, cared for and inspired to execute that vision."
During his tenure, Journigan supported the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) in Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq. In September 2024, he led the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade in disaster relief efforts in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. His advisement achieved high rankings in the Aviation Resource Management Survey (ARMS) and served a vital role under the Army Transformation Initiative (ATI).
Beale stated, "Under his steady leadership, the brigade adapted quickly to new and demanding missions, from driving aviation readiness at home stations to supporting the CENTCOM rotation from 2024 to 2024."
“The culture of this organization is excellence," said Journigan. "This formation is filled with professionals at all levels. They are primed and ready for whatever mission."
Beale expressed strong confidence in Jackson's ability to lead and enhance the brigade.
“Today, we are fortunate enough to welcome Command Sgt. Maj. Jackson and his family,” said Beale. "Command Sgt. Major Jackson, you are joining a formation that leads the way in Army aviation, enabling the 82nd Airborne Division's global response mission everyday. You bring tremendous experience, drive and energy and the brigade is ready for your leadership."
Jackson addressed the formation for the first time and expressed gratitude for his new role.
“To the paratroopers of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, thank you for what you do. We ask much of you and we will continue to do so as we have a great obligation to this nation,” said Jackson. “I look forward to both learning from you and serving and mentoring you.”
The 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade deploys on order to support global responses and conduct decisive aviation operations around the world. As America's contingent force, the 82nd CAB serves as the Immediate Response Force for aviation, providing the ground force commander with essential capabilities, including air assault, air movement, attack, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).