JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
U.S. Army Soldiers and civilians from the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Aug. 4, 2017.
U.S. Army Col. Beth Behn assumed command of the brigade, which is comprised of three battalions with more than 2,800 members who execute rapid expeditionary port operations for transporting equipment, supplies and personnel in rough- or combat environments.
Following the passing of the colors, a time-honored military tradition, Behn addressed the brigade.
“I’m deeply honored and privileged to command this brigade,” said Behn. “To the Soldiers of the 7th (Trans. Bde. (Ex.)), I look forward to working with all of you as we execute our brigade’s critical and unique mission of expeditionary terminal operations.”
Before assuming command, Behn previously served as part of the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan as the Resolute Support Essential Function 5.1 director.
Maj. Gen. Paul LaCamera, 18th Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, deputy commanding general, presided over the ceremony where he welcomed Behn to her new command.
“Under Col. Behn’s leadership, the 7th (Trans. Bde. (Ex.)) will continue to prepare for the next chapter,” said LaCamera. “(One) thing our Soldiers, civilians and families deserve is good leadership and I know (Behn) will provide that.”
The Soldiers and civilians of the 7th Trans. Bde. (Ex.) also bid farewell to Col. Stacy Townsend, who relinquished command and gave thanks to the Soldiers and civilians he led during his time at the brigade.
“I’ll miss serving with the Soldiers here in this awesome and unique brigade,” said Townsend. “It’s time to say farewell. As I leave, the Army has (provided) great command in Col. Beth Behn. She is the right person at the right time to take the brigade to the next level and lead you to success.”
Townsend will continue his career serving as the commander of the Distribution Management Command at Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois.