NORFOLK, Va. – Charlie Company, Allied Forces South Battalion, U.S. Army NATO Brigade welcomed their newest command team Aug. 12-13 marking the latest transfer of leadership at the unit.
An assumption of command was conducted to transfer the reins from Maj. Mackenson Romulus, outgoing acting commander, to Capt. Shaquana Bleach, incoming commander Aug. 12.
Bleach’s previous assignment was the 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Bliss, TX, serving as battalion S1 from 2025 to 2026.
Bleach, prior enlisted, looked forward to her time as Charlie Company commander.
“As I take command, I do so with both humility and excitement, Bleach said. I recognize that command is not only an opportunity to lead -- it is also an opportunity to learn, so with respect to doing so, I look forward to learning all there is to know to be successful.”
The following day, a change of responsibility was conducted to relinquish the reins from 1st Sgt. Aaron Welch to Master Sgt. Doneice Sealey, incoming first sergeant.
Sealey’s previous assignments include Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; 8th Ordnance Company, Fort Bragg, with her last unit being 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
During the ceremony, Bleach spoke on her upcoming leadership time with Sealey.
“1st Sgt. Sealey, although our time working together has just begun, I already see a bright future serving alongside you, Bleach said. In just a short period of time, we’ve shared laughter, exchanged ideas, and built a rapport that feels as though we’ve worked together before.”
Bleach went on to instill words of encouragement and hopes of building a strong foundation with 1st Sgt. Sealey over the next few months.
As the ceremony progressed, Sealey highlighted the importance of the right form of leadership Soldiers need to be successful.
“Soldiers don’t need perfect leaders, they need present leaders, said Sealey. Leaders who care enough to challenge them, support them and believe in them even when they may not yet believe in themselves.”
For the command, this ceremony symbolizes the continuity and strength of U.S. Army NATO Brigade. Soldiers and leadership from surrounding commands attended both ceremonies, as these transfers marked a step forward towards a new future for Charlie Company
As Sealey closed her ceremonial speech, she left everyone with a few words for Soldiers under her command.
“To this formation, my door will always be open, my standards will be high and I will always give you my best, Sealey said. I’m here to learn this team, earn your trust, and help us become better together.”
Charlie Company, AFSOUTH, supports all assigned Soldiers within NATO Allied Command Transformation, NATO Communications and Information Agency and Joint Force Command Norfolk through training, logistics and human resources support while enhancing force well being for all U.S. Army Soldiers and their families.