Raleigh, N.C. – Noncommissioned officers and enlisted soldiers assigned to the 60th Troop Command witnessed a change of responsibility ceremony at the Claude T. Bowers Military Center on Dec 07, 2025, during which Command Sgt. Maj. Derrick Singletary passed the brigade’s senior enlisted leader duties and responsibilities to Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Shipley.
The 60th Troop command is one of the most diverse brigades within the North Carolina National Guard, composed of an assortment of units, all with distinct missions and purposes making it the most diverse brigade in the North Carolina National Guard.
Its units include the 42nd Civil Support Team (WMD); 5th Battalion, 113th Field Artillery Regiment; NCNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion; B Company, 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne); B Company, 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne); Special Forces Detachment-X; the NCNG Medical Detachment; the 403rd Rigger Support Team, the 430th Ordinance Company (EOD); the 130th Military History Detachment; 382nd Public Affairs Detachment and 440th Army Band.
Singletary, who has deployed four times, served in developmental assignments ranging from corporal to command sergeant major, embodies the experience and resilience that define our senior NCO’s.
Singletary passes the sword to Col. Jamie Godwin, the brigade commander, signifying the relinquishing of his duties and gratitude for the opportunity to care for the 60th troop commands fine soldiers,” Sgt. Maj. Eric Gavin explained.
The War Department in 1840 adopted the unique NCO sword, a fully functional weapon not intended for display, but rather for hard and dedicated use. Historically, Non-Commissioned Officers wore the sword for over 70 years through major conflicts such as the Mexican American War, the Civil War, and the Spanish American War making it a symbol of America’s military heritage.
“Command sergeants major may come and go, but the sword remains razor sharp,” said Gavin.
The sword symbolizes the authority, discipline and responsibility that has been entrusted from the outgoing CSM to the incoming CSM. The legacy of the NCO sword is central to all the change of responsibility ceremonies.
“Godwin passes the sword to CSM Shipley, delegating authority, and entrusting him with the responsibility and care of the unit” said Gavin.
Shipley, enlisted in October 2000 and deployed from 2012-2013 with the 882nd Engineer company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His personal achievements through the years include, the Distinguished Order of St. Martin, meritorious service medals, and several other accommodations.
“Throughout his career, he’s had diverse staff roles from company admin NCO, to brigade operation sergeant major. And leadership roles ranging from corporal in the 163 ASMC [Area Support Medical Company] to command sergeant major 236 BEB [Brigade Engineer Battalion]" said Gavin.
The sword's presentation during the ceremony highlights the commander's trust in the senior enlisted leader. It serves as a visible reminder to the soldiers that their senior NCO safeguards order and discipline, all while finally passing it onto the incoming leader of the 60th Troop Command.
As the ceremony concluded, soldiers, leaders, families, and guests honored both the outgoing and incoming senior enlisted advisors, making not only a transfer of responsibility but the continuation of the brigade's standing history, traditions, and commitment to excellence.