FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Soldiers assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team “Strike,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) welcomed a new commander in a ceremony Friday, June 28.
Col. Joseph Escandon, who has commanded the unit for the last two years, passed the mantle of command to Col. Michael Kovacevic in a formal ceremony on the division parade field.
“For the past two years, it has been an honor and privilege to serve as commander of this outstanding organization,” said Escandon. “This brigade has a global mission, with Soldiers currently serving in Europe and Africa in addition to those here on Fort Campbell. I’m proud of this team and we stand ready to fight tonight, strike like eagles, and dominate our enemies.”
During Escandon’s two years of command, the brigade participated in multiple exercises and operations, including a Network Integration Evaluation at Fort Bliss, Texas in 2017, an ongoing Regionally Aligned Forces mission in multiple African nations, and most recently deploying Soldiers to Joint Multinational Training Group – Ukraine to partner with NATO allies and Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Escandon and members of the brigade recently commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day invasion at ceremonies in France.
Yesterday’s ceremony saw Escandon pass the brigade colors, and command, to Kovacevic. Following this, the Colonel, family by his side, inspected the soldiers of the Second Brigade in a pass and review.
“It is a distinct honor and privilege to take command of this historic organization,” said Kovacevic. “I look forward to continue to build upon the legacy of this great brigade and preparing our Strike Brigade Soldiers and Families for our next rendezvous with destiny.”