Intelligence

UASTB holds redesignation, change of command ceremony

June 24, 2011

By Tywanna Gordon, Fort Huachuca Public Affairs

A redesignation and change of command ceremony was held for the unit previously known as the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Battalion on the U.S. Army’s birthday June 14 at Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Victor Hamilton assumed command from Lt. Col. Patrick Sullivan, and the UASTB was redesignated as the 2nd Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment. The unit’s new motto is “Swift and Deadly.”

Col. Kenneth Biland, 1st Aviation Brigade commander, presided at the ceremony and passed the new 2nd Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment colors from Sullivan to Hamilton.

With his position established, Hamilton then passed the colors to the unit’s top enlisted Soldier, Command Sgt. Maj. Danny Thurecht.

During the ceremony, Biland informed those in attendance of the many accomplishments the command has had under Sullivan’s leadership.

“I could not have asked for a better commander or more dedicated professional to serve with,” he said. “You absolutely embodied the leader who effectively balances mission accomplishment with taking care of Soldiers and their Families. I am honored and proud to have served with you.

“Thanks to your leadership, the Army now has the newest, most advanced and most lethal UAS flying combat missions in our current operations,” Biland continued. “Your battalion has been called upon and has performed much more than conventional duties of a TRADOC (Training and Doctrine Command) unit. In addition to your daily individual training mission, your battalion simultaneously prepared operational units through support of the war fight.”

Biland informed the audience that during Sullivan’s tenure, the UASTB graduated more than 4,200 UAS initial entry operators and repairers, technicians and leaders.

“Although you relinquish command today, your influence and hard work will be felt for years to come,” he said. “You have served as a role model for thousands of Soldiers that you have helped train for combat both at the advanced individual and graduate level. Your legacy will be left behind because you have touched so much over the course of your three-year command. Your long-term initiatives will continue to unfold and will continue to positively impact our UAS Soldiers units and the Army Aviation community as a whole.”

Biland assured the command that although Sullivan is leaving, Hamilton is the right replacement and the unit is in good hands.

“Victor, the Army could not have picked a better qualified officer with your diverse background, challenging assignments and experience,” he said. “You are clearly prepared for this command and I challenge you to build upon the successes that Pat and his team have achieved and take this battalion to even greater heights as you march ahead.”

“Let me say it’s been an honor and distinct pleasure for me to serve with a fine group of Soldiers, NCOs (noncommissioned officers), officers, Department of Army civilians, and contractors over the past three years,” Sullivan said. “The UASTB Family epitomizes an atmosphere of mutual respect, faith, and trust among its members. The result has been extraordinary in how the unit works together in exceeding organization goals and meetings all directed Army missions. I am proud of these Soldiers and this organization.”

Hamilton comes to 2nd Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment from the University of Kansas where he served as professor of military science. Hamilton has conducted counter-narcotics operations in Central America and the United States, peacekeeping operations in the Balkans, full spectrum combat operations in Iraq, foreign internal defense operations in Thailand and Afghanistan, and congressional liaison operations while working on the Army’s future combat systems.

Hamilton holds a bachelor’s degree in social science and master’s degree in public administration and business administration.

Sullivan’s next assignment is with the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff Aviation in Washington, D.C.