Capt. Taylor A. John-Morton, left holding flag, takes command of the 3-6 Air and Missile Defense Test Detachment during a change of command ceremony July 2 at the Cox Range Control Center, from Lt. Col. Todd J. Stevenson, center holding flag, Commander 3rd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. Outgoing Detachment Commander Maj. Austin J. Snyder stands to the right.
3-6 Air and Missile Defense Test Detachment holds Change of Command
Capt. Taylor A. John-Morton took command of the 3-6 Air and Missile Defense Test Detachment during a change of command ceremony July 2 at the Cox Range Control Center.
Outgoing Detachment Commander Maj. Austin J. Snyder thanked his wife and children for being by his side.
He also thanked the senior leaders of the 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade for giving him the privilege and honor to command for the third time.
“There is no other assignment in the Army that has given me a greater sense of purpose, fulfillment, humility and yes at times, anxiety,” Snyder said.
“To my junior officers and NCOs, cherish the time you have. You are entrusted with the care of America’s finest sons and daughters, and you may never serve in a more honorable position again in your career,” he said. “To the officers, NCOs and Soldiers of the 3-6 Test Detachment thank you for your tireless support and dedication to the air defense artillery’s modernization priorities. Your efforts ensure the Army maintains a competitive advantage over our adversaries.”
Lt. Col. Todd J. Stevenson, Commander 3rd Battalion, 6th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, thanked WSMR Commander Col. George Turner and WSMR Garrison Commander Col. Donyeill A. Mozer for the outstanding support to the 3-6 Air and Missile Defense Test Detachment.
“The AMD Test Detachment is on the frontlines of the resurgence of air defense. Under Maj. Snyder’s leadership the detachment conducted numerous developmental tests for the integrated battle command system which will fundamentally change the way we conduct integrated air missile defense,” Stevenson said. “His actions ensured successful developmental testing of several capabilities.”
“Maj. Snyder leads with decisiveness, self-awareness and high energy. More importantly he built a strong team. This command team has succeeded beyond all expectations.”
“Capt. John-Morton will continue his tradition of maintaining professionalism while accomplishing this important mission. He is talented, intelligent and an accomplished leader,” Stevenson said.
Incoming Commander John-Morton thanked his family for their guidance and support.
“I would like to thank Col. Tony L. Dedmond and Lt. Col. Todd J. Stevenson, the leadership of the 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade for providing me the opportunity and honor to take command of the 3-6 Air and Missile Defense Test Detachment.”
He also thanked Snyder for all the work he has done to lead the detachment to its current success.
“I will do my best to ensure the continuation of that success,” John-Morton said. “To the leadership, families and Soldiers of the 3-6 Detachment I look forward to getting to work with, learn about and get to know all of you.”
Miriam Rodriguez
WSMR Public Affairs