Capt. Donnell B. Smith, outgoing commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, provides remarks during the detachment’s change of command ceremony at the Wheeler Chapel, July 10, 2019. Smith relinquished command to Capt. William J. Heaton. (U.S. Army photo)
U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Public Affairs
WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii – The outgoing commander of U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii’s Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Capt. Donnell B. Smith, was honored during a formal ceremony as he relinquished command to Capt. William J. Heaton, at the Wheeler Chapel, here, July 10.
“Donnell was an outstanding leader and commander these past 18 months,” said Col. Thomas J. Barrett, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, who officiated the ceremony. “He set the example as selfless leader and could always be counted on to get things done. He was always seeking ways to support the garrison’s mission and soldiers regardless of their location throughout Oahu.”
Smith thanked the Soldiers and civilians he worked with over the last 18 months and reflected on his time in command.
“(I didn’t fully understand until preparing to relinquish command) the many benefits and opportunities to serve military families and the surrounding communities, the opportunities to learn how a garrison runs inside out, and see firsthand the time and hard work it takes to keep this city running,” Smith said. “My time here as your HHD commander has provided invaluable lessons learned and created tools I’ll carry with me for a lifetime.”
Prior to taking command at Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Smith was the assistant operations officer with the 25th Infantry Division on Schofield Barracks. His next assignment will be working towards a master’s degree from Clemson University in South Carolina. Before the change of command ceremony, Smith was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal.
Capt. William J. Heaton (background center) prepares to accept command of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, from Capt. Donnell B. Smith (foreground center), outgoing commander, as Col. Thomas J. Barrett (left), commander, U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii, officiates during a change of command ceremony at the Wheeler Chapel, July 10, 2019. Master Sgt. James Williams Jr. (right), detachment sergeant, represents the backbone of the detachment during the ceremony. (U.S. Army photo)
In his remarks, Smith also welcomed Heaton and his family to the unit.
“I’ve witnessed (Heaton’s) poise, professionalism and desire to lead,” Smith said. “There is no doubt in my mind that (he is) the right person for this job and (he is) prepared and ready to take on any and all challenges.”
Heaton comes to the garrison from the 728th Military Police Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, on Schofield Barracks where he was previously the battalion’s S-6, or communications officer-in-charge.
“It is a great feeling to be welcomed into the (U.S. Army) Garrison Hawaii family,” Heaton said. “I am excited for this opportunity and look forward to working with everyone in (the detachment) and garrison.”
More photos from the ceremony are available online at https://www.flickr.com/photos/usaghawaii/albums/72157709566064571⚠.