350th Civil Affairs Command welcomes new commander

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Soldiers of U.S. Army Reserve 350th Civil Affairs Command welcomed a new commander during an assumption-of-command ceremony held at Naval Air Station Pensacola on Nov 17.

With a traditional passing of the colors, the previous 350th Commander, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Coggin handed over command of the Pensacola-based unit to Brig. Gen. Mark E. Black.

“The passing of the command today displays total confidence that the 350th will continue to be mission focus, lead properly, that its Soldiers and civilians will be lead properly and display a continuity of excellence as that is evident of the ceremony to today,” said Maj. Gen. Darrell J. Guthrie, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations commander, who served as the reviewing officer for the ceremony.

Outgoing commander Coggin reflected on his time serving as the 350th commander and thanked the Soldiers for their diligent work during his tenure.

“As I reflect on the past 32 months, our mandate remains the same as and clear as today: to provide ready Soldiers and Ready Units…, for this difficult work I give all the credit to the Soldiers and officers of the 350th Civil Affairs Command,” Coggin. “It was your hard work, you excelled and did not complain…, each of you bring hope and light to the world.”

Black thanked the city of Pensacola for the continued relationship with the Army’s civil affairs mission, as well as the Soldiers of the 350th CACOM.

“The Army has maintained a civil affairs presence in Pensacola for six decades, these units have maintained a great relationship with the city, and I look forward to continue strengthening the bonds with this great city,” Black said. "I am very humble, because it is a great privilege and distinct honor to lead a command in today’s Army ... . (T)o the Soldiers, officers and families of the 350th, I am very proud to once again join this amazing team.”

Coggin's next assignment will be to serve as the deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

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350th Civil Affairs Command welcomes new commander

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