Capt. Shawn M. Pierce assumed command of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison from Capt. Christopher A. Mays during a ceremony at the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall flagpole Friday.
Pierce assumes command of HHC, USAG having most recently served as the battalion adjutant for 4th Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). He previously completed duty assignments at Fort Drum, New York, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
During the change of command, Pierce expressed gratitude to JBM-HH Commander Col. Patrick M. Duggan and Headquarters Command Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Joshua A. Gillen for entrusting him to lead such a distinguished and distinctive unit.
“Col. Duggan and Col. Gillen, thank you very much for this opportunity to command one of the most unique companies in the United States Army,” Pierce said. “I will hold to that motto of discipline and leadership that is required of a commander.”
Since it became part of the newly activated Headquarters Command Battalion in 1992, HHC, USAG has grown into one of the largest companies in the Army, with more than 1,400 assigned and attached Soldiers stationed in the National Capital Region and around the world.
Originally formed as a garrison-support company, HHC, USAG’s responsibilities have expanded to include serving the command needs of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and numerous Department of Defense and Department of the Army organizations such as the Center for Military History, Defense Informational Systems Agency, Inter-American Defense College, National Defense University, White House Communications Agency, and the White House Transportation Agency.
After the ceremony, Pierce noted that the size and multifaceted mission of HHC, USAG presents him with special challenges and opportunities as a leader.
“It’s the second-largest company in the U.S. Army and the diversity of the population of the company itself makes it unique,” he said. “Being the commander of that unique organization allows me to see the dynamics and the diversity of the Army as a whole.”
Pierce added that maintaining Army values, standards, and traditions throughout an unusually decentralized formation will be a chief priority of his new command.
“The fact that the Soldiers are scattered all over the world makes it unique and a little bit more of a challenge,” he remarked.
Mays, who will be reassigned to a position with the U.S. Military District of Washington’s J-2 intelligence section, spoke fondly of his time as HHC, USAG’s company commander.
“I’m humbled for the opportunity to command this unit,” he said during the ceremony. “Today is a little bittersweet because this transition means that I am departing a great team.”
Mays expressed confidence that Pierce would carry on HHC, USAG’s tradition of excellence.
“You are taking command of one of the most challenging commands in the Army,” he told Pierce. “I know that you will continue to excel and do great things for the battalion and the Army.”
Pentagram Staff Photojournalist Francis Chung can be reached at fchung@dcmilitary.com.