News

Joint Base Lewis-McChord gains new commander

  • Published
  • By Rick Wood
  • Northwest Guardian
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  It was sight to behold as 5,000 troops marched in formation during the I Corps assumption of command ceremony for Lt. Gen. Curtis "Mike" Scaparrotti at Watkins Field on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis Main Oct. 15.

A seemingly endless sea of Soldiers and Airmen representing all of the major units comprising I Corps marched past the incoming commander as blue skies and sunshine held dark clouds at bay.

Col. William Flanigan, 446th Airlift Wing commabnder, represented the JBLM-based Air Force Reserve wing to welcome the new JBLM commander.

Commanding general of United States Army Forces Command, Gen. James D. Thurman, welcomed Scaparrotti to the corps and JBLM and offered a special welcome to Soldiers, civilians, families and visitors from neighboring communities of I Corps.

"We appreciate the support of the many community leaders as well as all of our community partners that support the men and women in uniform," Thurman said. "Thanks for all that you have done and all that you do for our Soldiers and our families."

Thurman also acknowledged the many dignitaries on hand for the ceremony, including Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed. The formation of troops and the ceremony was awe-inspiring, he said.

"My compliments to the salute battery, the color guard and the band," Thurman said. "You ably represent this command and we are so proud of you."

The joint team truly is thriving here in the Pacific Northwest, he said.

Thurman thanked the Soldiers for what they do every day.

"From where I stand, I would say they are representing themselves honorably and well," Thurman said. "I'm truly honored to be here in the presence of these great Americans -- the finest men and women this nation has to offer."

The corps will be in capable hands with Scaparrotti at the helm, he said.

"This officer is keenly aware of the mission capabilities and reputation of (his) command," Thurman said. "We are proud to add his name to the list of commanders who have gone before."

Scaparrotti is a proven combat leader and brings a wealth of experience to the job, he said.

"For the past 32 years, he has had some of the most challenging assignments in the Army," Thurman said. "Mike has extensive operational experience."

Thurmond highlighted Scaparrotti's experience including command of 3rd Battalion, 325th Airborne Combat Team from May 1994 until April 1996 during Operation "Support Hope" in Zaire/Rwanda, Operation "Joint Endeavor" in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Operation "Assured Response" in Liberia.

Citing the complexities and similarities between Scaparrotti's previous command at Fort Bragg, N.C. and JBLM, the transition to the Pacific Northwest should be a smooth one, he said.

"Mike, you should feel right at home as you make the transition from the 'All-American Division' to America's Corps," Thurman said.

Scaparrotti and his wife Cindy are destined to be leaders both on base and off, he said.

"Cindy cares deeply for Soldiers and their families," Thurman said. "She has enriched the quality of lives in the communities she and Mike have called home."

Cindy made a difference in the lives of others and inspires people to help in many causes, he said.

"My guidance to you today is to prepare for the unexpected because it'll happen," Thurman said about taking on I Corps' mission.

Scaparrotti is the right man, at the right place, at the right time, he said.

Thurman thanked Maj. Gen. John Johnson for shouldering the responsibility of command for the past four months.

"You have clearly made a difference," Thurman said. "Clearly the Army has made a wise decision by making (Johnson) the commander of Eighth Army and the chief of staff of United States Forces Korea and the promotion to lieutenant general." The Soldiers will have a great commander when Johnson gets to Korea, he said.

For Johnson, there couldn't have been a better day for saying farewell to I Corps.

Johnson said the blue skies and mild weather were an excellent backdrop for celebrating the new commander and ceremony of the day.

"Many of you have recently returned from combat, almost 18,000 of you in the last six months," Johnson said to the massive formation stretched in front of him.

The sea of Soldiers and Airmen standing in formation on the parade field were a humbling sight, he said.

"You represent the best of us -- the very best our nation has to offer," Johnson said. "Every time the nation has needed you, you have answered the call."

The families of the wounded and fallen are indelible parts of the corps history and legacy, he said.

"You will forever have a special place in our hearts," Johnson said.

The military family members, surrounding communities and civic leaders truly make JBLM a home for its Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors, he said.

"I could not begin to list all the things you do for Soldiers," Johnson said. "We'd simply be here all day if I tried."

It has been an honor to work alongside the Air Force as a joint installation, he said.

"There are few things on Earth as awesome as the 51-plus C-17s that reside at McChord Field," Johnson said.

The corps is now under the leadership of an exceptional officer, he said.

"Today, we have a new commander and I am very much more than properly relieved," Johnson said to Scaparrotti. "It's been the greatest honor to hold your place until today."

Scaparrotti began his remarks by offering a round of applause to the Soldiers and Airmen standing on the parade field.

"You all look magnificent," Scaparrotti said. "You're a tribute to this great nation. You are the strength of this nation."

It is an honor to join the ranks of I Corps, he said.

"With our Air Force wingman, I Corps is setting the standard for joint basing," Scaparrotti said.

The corps' accomplishments are a credit to the sacrifices and hard work of all of JBLM's community, he said.

After the ceremony, Scaparrotti took a moment to reflect on the events of the day.

"It's inspiring," Scaparrotti said. "Particularly as an older Soldier, what strikes me today is just looking at the breadth of Soldiers on this field."

Now, begins the time of establishing priorities and goals for the corps, he said.

"One of my focal points is taking care of Soldiers and families." Scaparrotti said. "We're going to focus on all the things we do here at Joint Base Lewis-McChord to take care of troopers and their families."

Spotlighting continued care and support for troops returning from combat will take center stage, he said.

"The Army does a great deal these days in terms of the support that we bring to help the Soldiers reintegrate back into a base like this -- a community like this -- reintegrate with their families and get back into a normal routine coming out of combat," Scaparrotti said.

"My focus is going to be making sure we understand the processes and the resources that are available to the people." Joining JBLM has been a pleasant transition, he said.

"We've heard so many great things and had such a great reception this past week," Scaparrotti said. "We're looking forward to working with everyone here at the joint base and we're certainly looking forward to meeting with the community."

JBLM has done a wonderful job of coming together as a combined installation, he said.

"From an early age, I've worked right alongside the Air Force in particular but also with other forces. So for me coming out here I'm excited about having a joint base -- McChord Field, Fort Lewis -- working together," Scaparrotti said. "We're probably more 'joint' now as an Armed Forces than we've ever been. I feel as though I am very comfortable and we've got a good working relationship here."