JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — The 11th Airborne Division honored two senior leaders during a Circle of Honor ceremony May 28, recognizing the service, leadership and lasting impact of Brig. Gen. Robert W. McBride, deputy commanding general-operations, and Col. James C. Howell, the division chief of staff.
Hosted by Maj. Gen. John P. Cogbill, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division, the ceremony celebrated the contributions both leaders made to the division’s mission of building Arctic ready forces capable of operating across the Indo-Pacific. The event brought together Soldiers, families, civilian teammates and community members to recognize careers defined by operational experience, leadership and commitment to service.
McBride, a Canadian Army officer, served as the division’s deputy commanding general-operations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, strengthening interoperability and cooperation between allied forces while helping guide the division through a period of continued Arctic transformation and readiness. A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, McBride deployed operationally to Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Iraq during his military career. He previously commanded units across the Canadian Army and held senior staff positions focused on operational planning and international engagement with allied nations.
“Brig. Gen. McBride strengthened more than interoperability between allied forces,” said Cogbill. “He strengthened trust, readiness and the bond between two Arctic fighting forces that stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of the homeland and the Indo-Pacific. His leadership left a lasting mark on this division and on every Soldier who served alongside him.”
During the ceremony, leaders highlighted the importance of the enduring partnership between the United States and Canada, particularly in the Arctic, where allied cooperation remains critical to maintaining readiness, deterrence and regional security.
Howell was recognized for his leadership as the division chief of staff after previously serving as commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division. From 2023 to 2025, Howell led the brigade through Arctic-focused training and operations designed to increase readiness and lethality in extreme cold weather environments. Commissioned as an infantry officer from the United States Military Academy in 2002, Howell served in multiple airborne, Ranger and infantry assignments throughout his career, including leadership positions within the 75th Ranger Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) and the 25th Infantry Division. He also deployed nine times to Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.
“ Howell represents everything this division demands from its leaders: disciplined, lethal, relentless and committed to Soldiers,” said Cogbill. “From commanding Spartan Brigade to serving as our chief of staff, he helped drive this division forward during a critical period of transformation, ensuring the 11th Airborne Division remains ready to fight and win in the harshest environments on earth.”
As chief of staff, Howell played a key role in synchronizing operations, planning and readiness efforts across the division while supporting the continued development of the Army’s only airborne division in the Indo-Pacific.
The Circle of Honor ceremony also reflected on the division’s legacy and history, from its activation during World War II to its modern day mission in Alaska as the Army’s premier Arctic formation.