FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeff W. Mathis III assumed command of Joint Task Force-Civil Support from U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Jonathan T. Treacy during a change of command ceremony at Ft. Eustis' Seay Plaza, July 11, becoming the unit's sixth commander.
Mathis is no stranger to the homeland security mission, having most recently served as the deputy director for Anti-terrorism and Homeland Defense on the Joint Staff's J-34 at the Pentagon. While at J-34, Mathis served as a primary advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for all matters relating to anti-terrorism, force protection, homeland defense and defense support to civilian authorities.
As commander of JTF-CS, the 37-year veteran will command more than 200 military and civilian personnel in planning and integrating Department of Defense support for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear consequence management operations. When called upon, Mathis will assume command and control of more than 5,000 DoD personnel, providing critical life-saving and life-sustaining support to civil authorities and foster community recovery.
"As we all know command is a sacred trust, and I will do that I can to meet that trust," Mathis said. "[Treacy], thank you for handing over a great command. I look forward to keep up in your footsteps in moving forward.
"I am humbled to assume command of this national treasure," he added.
Mathis began his career in 1975 as a Special Forces communications and weapons sergeant, and earned his commission in 1981 through Officer Candidate School. He has served in a various combined and joint commands, including several units operating in homeland security.
Treacy, who commanded JTF-CS since July 2010, received the Defense Superior Service Medal for his service to the task force.
JTF-CS is the nations' only standing CBRN joint task force. It is comprised of active-duty and reserve component Service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. The headquarters also includes Department of the Air Force civilians and contract personnel.
Established in October 1999, JTF-CS is assigned to U.S. Northern Command and conducts CBRN response operations planning and preparedness to maximize mission readiness and capability.