357th AMD-D holds change of command

Soldiers and families of the 357th Air and Missile Defense Detachment gathered at Rhine Ordnance Barracks July 10 for a change of command
ceremony.

Col. Anthony English assumed command of the 357th AMD-D from Col. Rodney McCants. The unit was re-designated in October 2007 as the 357th AMD-D, and it was officially activated in a ceremony on Rhine Ordnance Barracks April 16, 2008.
“This afternoon I stand before you humbled, yet excited and filled with eager anticipation. Humbled because I know how far this unit has come and how hard this unit has worked in the past 18 months to get where we are today,” Colonel McCants said.

The ceremony included an inspection of troops conducted by Colonel McCants, Colonel English and Lt. Gen. Kenneth Hunzeker, commanding general of V Corps, who was also the guest speaker at the ceremony.

“Soldiers in your brigade are disciplined, motivated and focused on the mission,” Lieutenant General Hunzeker said.

Colonel English, whose last assignment was as the deputy chief of staff for operations, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, also has high hopes for his new Soldiers.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be standing here today. I look forward to leading the best brigade in the United States Army,” Colonel English said.

The 357th AMD-D, which is a subordinate brigade of V Corps, is stationed at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern. The unit is comprised of a headquarters and headquarters detachment and the 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery with its five subordinate batteries and a headquarters battery.