FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – The U.S. Army 311th Signal Command (Theater) changed leadership during a ceremony at historic Palm Circle in Fort Shafter on July 19, 2024.

Brig. Gen. Ray Phariss assumed command from Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler, the outgoing commander.

Lt. Gen. James Jarrard, U.S. Army Pacific deputy commanding general, who presided over the event, commended the only Army Signal Command in the Indo-Pacific theater for its role in maintaining communication networks across the region.

“No other signal command in the Army has a mission comparable to the 311th,” Jarrard said. “With the maritime operational environment found in the Indo-Pacific theater—you accomplish this mission with a unique multi-compo organization.”

“The demands of beyond line-of-sight communication, and our insatiable requirement for resilient networks, combined with sophisticated state and non-state cyber threats, provide the most difficult environment our Army overcomes to provide consistent, reliable communications for the joint force,” Jarrard said.

Brig. Gen. Ray Pharris, the incoming commanding general, previously served as the deputy chief of staff G-6 and chief information officer for U.S. Army Europe and Africa G-6. In that role he ensured that the Army’s network infrastructure supported its missions and maintained a technological edge over adversaries in the region.

“Let us rededicate ourselves to remain ready and resilient. Our mission is clear and our mission is just,” said Phariss to his Soldiers. “We have the full support of our leaders, our fellow Soldiers and units, our families and our country. The conditions couldn’t be better.”

The ceremony included the traditional passing of the colors. A time-honored tradition, which dates back to the 1700s, it represents the formal transfer of command responsibilities and the new era of leadership for the unit.

During Meisler's two-year tenure, the command made great strides at enhancing signal support with notable achievements including advancements in the command’s Department of Defense information operations and modernizing the network across the Indo-Pacific. Meisler took time to express his gratitude to Soldiers, families and civilians who aided during his tenure.

“Soldiers and families of the 311th Signal Command, thank you for your hard work, dedication and service to this great nation,” said Meisler. “I loved my time in command and will always relish the experiences and friendships I made. The 311th Signal Command felt like home, and I could always count on the professionalism of the Soldiers.”

The Theater Army Signal Command has thousands of highly-proficient, trained and motivated Soldiers operating across 16 times zone around the globe in support of the needs of the nation.

“I have complete confidence in leaving this command to your abilities,” Meisler said. “You bring a wealth of experience and were the logical choice to serve as the next commanding general for the 311th Theater Signal Command.”