FORT STORY, Va. –
The 11th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) hosted a change of command ceremony at Fort Story, June 27.
The "Over the Shore" battalion welcomed U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mondrey O. McLaurin as the new battalion commander and bid farewell to Lt. Col. Karl S. Linderman, the outgoing commander.
"I am deeply humbled to stand here today as the new commander of this outstanding organization. This is truly a blessing that I value with all my heart," said McLaurin.
Colonel Randal Nelson, commander 7th Trans. Bde. (Ex), addressed the audience about the battalion and mentioned their recent Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore exercise in Anchorage, Alaska. "The Soldiers of the 11th Trans. Bn. literally came over-the-shore demonstrating the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore and terminal operations capability. They successfully built a 350-person task force that executed with precision safely.
"Exceptional performance is a trend in this battalion," he added. "You can leave the battalion area knowing you gave a 100 percent, left nothing on the table, and you hit it out of the park. You are an exceptional officer; we wish you the best in your future endeavors."
After offering his best wishes, he turned his attention to McLaurin.
"We are very excited to welcome the McLaurin family, looking at your resume you are exactly who we need to take the guidon," said Nelson. "A well-seasoned transporter with a great reputation -- welcome to the 'Resolute' family."
McLaurin, a native of Laurinburg, North Carolina, was commissioned into the Army from the ROTC program at Shaw University in South Carolina, as a transportation corps officer. His most recent assignment was at Human Resources Command as an assignment officer for field grade logistics lieutenant colonels at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
"Thank you for the opportunity to command in the 'Resolute' brigade, thank you for your leadership and mentorship," Linderman said. "You've fostered a good environment built on a foundation of trust which was critical to the success of this battalion. These Soldiers are the best there are and they will break their backs to support you. I know you'll provide the leadership they deserve in return, [and] I wish you all the best on your command tour."
Linderman, a native of Cuba, New York, was commissioned into the Transportation Corps in May of 1995. Linderman will move on to become the deputy for proponency, Office for the Chief of Transportation, at Fort Lee, Virginia.