Change of Command at PTA

POHAKULOA, Hawaii: A change of command ceremony for U.S. Army Garrison Pōhakuloa was held on base on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Rolland C. Niles relinquished command to Lt. Col. Eric P. Shwedo.

Also, there was a special recognition for the Assumption of Responsibility of CSM Alan D. Higgs, now the senior non-commissioned officer.

Niles has commanded Pōhakuloa for the last two years. His next assignment is as the Fire Support Coordinator for III Corps at Fort Hood, Texas. During his Army career he has served in Field Artillery assignments in the United States, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Korea and Iraq.

Shwedo, a Special Forces officer, comes to PTA from U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa. He has served in Special Forces assignments in the United States, Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar.

The change of command ceremony included a blessing by Kahu Daniel Kaniela Akaka, hula, patriotic music, and remarks from COL Douglas S Mulbury, the Commander of the US Army Garrison Hawaii, who was the reviewing officer and offered insights into the hard work and accomplishments of the outgoing LTC Niles. Those remarks are included in the video above, along with words from Niles and Shwedo.