Outgoing U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz commander Col. G. Shawn Wells Jr. watches as incoming commander Col.Keith Igyarto takes the colors from Installation Management Command Europe regional director Michael Formica at the garrison's change-of-command ceremony in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. At left is Command Sgt. Maj. Edward James Williams III. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Col. Keith E. Igyarto took the helm from Col. G. Shawn Wells Jr. in U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz at a change-of-command ceremony on Wednesday.
Michael Formica, Installation Management Command Europe’s director, who hosted the ceremony at Kaiserslautern’s Daenner Kaserne, said the garrison has become “a vital Army power-projection platform.”
“Most recently (it) hosted several thousand soldiers deployed in support of multinational exercises Anakonda, Sabre Junction and Swift Response,” Formica said.
As part of the Army’s transformation in Europe, he said, Wells had synchronized 15 unit relocations, 25 consolidation actions, and the closure of four installations.
“Col. Shawn Wells met that challenge during his two years at the helm, leading during a time marked by limited resources, restructuring and high operations tempo.”
Wells is leaving for Afghanistan, where he will serve as Bagram garrison commander during a one-year tour.
Igyarto, who is no stranger to Europe, has served with armored and cavalry units and was deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq.
Most recently, he served at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management and Comptroller.
“Keith, did you bring any money with you?” Formica asked jokingly.
Igyarto also thanked Wells for a job well done.
“After spending the last week or so traveling the garrison footprint with you and working with the garrison team, the positive impacts of your efforts and leadership are clearly evident,” he said.
Outgoing U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz commander Col. G. Shawn Wells Jr. watches as incoming commander Col.Keith Igyarto takes the colors from Installation Management Command Europe regional director Michael Formica at the garrison's change-of-command ceremony in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. At left is Command Sgt. Maj. Edward James Williams III. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
The U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz color guard and soldiers representing the units within the garrison's footprint march across the parade field at USAG's change-of-command ceremony in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Col. Keith Igyarto took command from Col. G. Shawn Wells Jr. at the ceremony. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
The U.S. Army Europe Band's brass quintet plays during the U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz change-of-command ceremony in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
The U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz color guard stands on the parade field at the USAG's change of command ceremony in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Col. Keith Igyarto took command from Col. G. Shawn Wells Jr. at the ceremony. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
Incoming U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz commander Col. Keith Igyarto listens as the outgoing commander, G. Shawn Wells Jr., speaks at the garrison's change-of-command ceremony n Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
Outgoing commander of U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, G. Shawn Wells Jr., gives a final salute and ''hooah'' at the garrison's change-of-command ceremony n Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
Soldiers representing the units within the U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz's footprint stand on the parade field at the USAG's change-of-command ceremony in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Col. Keith Igyarto took the helm from Col. G. Shawn Wells Jr. at the ceremony. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
Soldiers sing the Army Song at the conclusion of the U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz change-of-command ceremony in Kaiserslautern, Germany, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. Col. Keith Igyarto took command from Col. G. Shawn Wells Jr. at the ceremony. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
Guests at the U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz's change-of-command ceremony in Kaiserslautern, Germany, line up to say goodbye to the outgoing commander Col. G. Shawn Wells Jr. Col. Keith Igyarto took command from Wells at the ceremony, Wednesday, July 6, 2016. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
