Schofield Barracks – Under a commonly blue Hawaii sky, friends, family members and prominent guests gathered at Sills Field, August 7, to attend the change of command ceremony honoring the outgoing and incoming commanders of the 500th Military Intelligence Brigade.

Col. Steven R. Grove passed command to Col. Christopher S. Ballard in front of a formation of steadfast Soldiers representing the Brigade’s five Battalions and Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment.

“These Soldiers, along with the professional Army civilians and our contracting force, both US and Japanese are the finest that I have had the pleasure to serve alongside of in my 25 year career,” Grove said. “I consider it a distinct honor to be counted among these ranks.”

Grove continued by complementing each of the Battalions for their individual accomplishments while under his command of two years. Those accomplishments ranged from the successful 15 month deployment of the 15th MI Aerial Exploitation BN, who were realigned to the 500th just weeks before their deployment to the 732nd MI BN whose work within the Kunia tunnel assist commanders world-wide.

“None of this could have been accomplished without the quality of leadership that is assembled before us,” he said about the formation of Soldiers. “Initiative, drive and genuine concern for our Soldiers and families are what have made the achievements I just listed so remarkable.”

Maj. Gen. David B. Lacquement, the commander for the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command applauded both Grove and Ballard for their commitment to the Soldiers they lead and the missions the accomplish.

“It gives me great pleasure to be with you today as the reviewing officer for this change of command between two outstanding officers,” Lacquement said.

“An important indicator of a good leader is how well his Soldiers perform their mission. “Let me begin by commending the Soldiers and thanking the men and women of the 500th MI Brigade for their sustained record of excellence,” said Lacquement. “Your successes over the past two years are a tremendous credit to you, Colonel Grove, to our Army and to our Nation.”

(From left to right) Maj. Gen. David B. Lacquement, the commander for the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command, Col. Christopher Ballard, Lt. Col. Stephen Zarbo, the commander of troops for the ceremony, and Col. Steven Grove salute the colors as they were trooping the line of the 500th MI Bde formation. Ballard assumed command from Grove August 7th during a change of command ceremony at Sills Field

“As one great leader leaves another assumes command,” he said referring to Ballard. “The Army goes to great efforts to search out the best officers to command units as critical as the 500th MI. I know that in this instance the Army has been particularly successful in placing this command in the hands of a leader who has both extensive operational experience and technical expertise and who truly understands the meaning of selfless service,” Lacquement said. “Colonel Ballard is a dedicated Intelligence Operations professional who is extremely well prepared to meet the challenges of leading the 500th MI.”

Taking command of the 500th was also a welcome home of sorts for Ballard and his family. Early in his career Ballard was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division where he served as the S-2 for 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry(light) and later the Chief of the Division’s SIGNT Technical Control and Analysis. Ballard also severed as commander of the Headquarters Company, 125th MI BN and was the S-2 for 1st Brigade.

“Michelle and I pledge to continue the great work that Steve and Susan have accomplished over the past two years and we look forward to building the same working relationships and friendships with you all that they obviously share,” said Ballard to his peers and distinguished guests.

“To the Soldiers and civilians of the 500th – I truly look forward to getting to know you in the coming days, to contributing to this organization of outstanding Intelligence professionals, and to becoming part of the USARPAC team.”