Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center’s Change of Command Ceremony | News

The following is a press release from Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center:

Members of Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center will participate in a Change of Command ceremony at building 1001, the headquarters building, April 13 at 10 a.m. Col. Robert “Steve” Parham, outgoing commander, will relinquish command to Col. William B. “Brad” Smith, Jr. Both are residents of Hattiesburg.

A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another. The passing of the colors, from an outgoing commander to an incoming commander ensures that the unit and its Soldiers are never without official leadership signifies a continuation of trust and the allegiance of Soldiers to their unit’s commander. This gesture is accomplished in front of the unit so that all can see and witness their new leader assuming his dutiful position.

Parham has been the installation commander for nearly three years and has 26 years of military service. Smith, the incoming commander, who has deployed to Iraq with Mississippi National Guard’s 155th Brigade Combat Team in 2009, will assume his new role.