Change of Command Info:

Each of our four Major Subordinate Commands changed commanders this spring.

81st Brigade Combat Team

Col. Ronald Kapral replaced Col. Michael McCaffree as the 81st commander on March 9th. The 81st contains has about 2,900 soldiers assigned to units throughout Washington State as well as an additional 900 soldiers assigned to units in California.

The colors are presented during the 81st Brigade Change of Command ceremony at Camp Murray March 9, 2008. Photo by Master Sgt. Dave Largent Public Affairs Office. The colors are presented during the 81st Brigade Change of Command ceremony at Camp Murray March 9, 2008. Photo by Master Sgt. Dave Largent Public Affairs Office.
Col. Kapral accepts the guidon from Brig. Gen. Toney during the Change of Command ceremony at Camp Murray March 9, 2008. Photo by Master Sgt. Dave Largent Public Affairs Office.
Col. Kapral accepts the guidon from Brig. Gen. Toney during the Change of Command ceremony at Camp Murray March 9, 2008. Photo by Master Sgt. Dave Largent Public Affairs Office.

205th Leadership Regiment

The 205th change of command was held on May 4th, when Col. Brett Daugherty relinquished command to Lt. Col. (P) Grant Lingg. The 205th Regiment coordinates and supervises leader training for Officer Candidate Schools (OCS) and Noncommissioned officer education system programs within Total Army School System (TASS), conducts regional OCS Phase III consolidated training and provides command and control for Washington Army National Guard school battalions.

Lt. Col. Lingg accepts the guidon from Brig. Gen. Toney during the Change of Command ceremony at Camp Murray May 4, 2008. Photo by Spec. Charles Ames, 122nd PAOC
Lt. Col. Lingg accepts the guidon from Brig. Gen. Toney during the Change of Command ceremony at Camp Murray May 4, 2008. Photo by Spec. Charles Ames, 122nd PAOC
Col. Daugherty, Gen. Toney and Lt. Col. Lingg watch as the colors are posted during the May 4th, change of Command ceremony held at Camp Murray. Photo by Spec. Charles Ames, 122nd PAOC.
Col. Daugherty, Gen. Toney and Lt. Col. Lingg watch as the colors are posted during the May 4th, change of Command ceremony held at Camp Murray. Photo by Spec. Charles Ames, 122nd PAOC.

66th Theater Aviation Command

June 7th was the 66th change of command where Col. (P) Brett Daugherty took over for Brig. Gen. Kelly. The 66th TAC is one of only two Theater Aviation Commands within the Army and the only one-star Aviation Command within the National Guard. The 66th commands two Theater Aviation Brigades as well as one Theater Airfield Operation Group and has responsibility for 15 subordinate battalions spread throughout the United States, with company elements located in 22 states.

Brig. Gen. Kelly, Maj. Gen Lowenberg and Col. Daugherty render salutes as the colors are presented during the Change of Command at Fort Lewis June 7, 2008. Photo by Master Sgt. Dave Largent Public Affairs Office.
Brig. Gen. Kelly, Maj. Gen Lowenberg and Col. Daugherty render salutes as the colors are presented during the Change of Command at Fort Lewis June 7, 2008. Photo by Master Sgt. Dave Largent Public Affairs Office.
Command Sgt. Maj. Eden, Brig. Gen. Kelly, Maj. Gen Lowenberg and Col. Daugherty prepare to pass the guidon at the Change of Command at Fort Lewis June 7, 2008. Photo by Master Sgt. Dave Largent Public Affairs Office
Command Sgt. Maj. Eden, Brig. Gen. Kelly, Maj. Gen Lowenberg and Col. Daugherty prepare to pass the guidon at the Change of Command at Fort Lewis June 7, 2008. Photo by Master Sgt. Dave Largent Public Affairs Office

96th Troop Command

The next day on June 8th, Col. Daniel Kern passed the reins of the 96th to Col. George Abbott. The 96th Brigade provides administrative, supply and training support to over 29 separate units of the Washington Army National Guard.

Representatives from units assigned to the 96th Brigade (TC), dignitaries and guests assembled in the Tacoma Armory for the Change of Command June 8, 2008. Photo by Sgt. Emily Suhr, 122nd PAOC.
Representatives from units assigned to the 96th Brigade (TC), dignitaries and guests assembled in the Tacoma Armory for the Change of Command June 8, 2008. Photo by Sgt. Emily Suhr, 122nd PAOC.
Col. Abbott received the Guidon from Brig. Gen. Toney at the Change of Command ceremony in the Tacoma Armory June 8, 2008.
Col. Abbott received the Guidon from Brig. Gen. Toney at the Change of Command ceremony in the Tacoma Armory June 8, 2008.