FRANKFORT, Ky. –
Among a backdrop of two UH-60 Black Hawks, a UH-72 Lakota and an open sky, Soldiers, friends and family gathered as the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade said farewell to one commander and welcomed another during a change of command ceremony hosted at the Army Aviation Support Facility on Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, June 23, 2024.
A change of command ceremony is a military tradition representing the formal transfer of authority for a unit from one commanding officer to the next.
During the event, U.S. Army Col. Michael D. Armstrong relinquished command of the 63rd TAB to Lt. Col. Gabriel D. Spicer.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Brian Wertzler, assistant adjutant general, served as the reviewing officer for the ceremony. He commended Armstrong for his steadfast leadership and praised his significant achievements during his tenure as the commander of the 63rd TAB.
Additionally, Wertzler expressed confidence in Spicer, emphasizing his unwavering dedication and capability to lead the brigade forward.
“I can think of no one more dedicated or capable to lead the 63rd TAB,” said Wertzler of Spicer.
Armstrong, addressing his brigade one last time as their commander, expressed gratitude and pride in the Soldiers he led.
“To the men and women of the 63rd, words cannot fully capture the pride I feel in having had the privilege to lead you,” said Armstrong. “Your professionalism, dedication, and resilience have been the driving force behind our many accomplishments.”
Armstrong has 29 years of military service and has served in numerous command and staff positions at the company, battalion, and brigade levels. He served as company commander, battalion commander (751st Troop Command), brigade S3, and deputy commander of the 244th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade. Additionally, Armstrong is a senior Army aviator with over 1500 hours in the OH-58, UH-60, and UH-72 with 500 hours of combat flight time. His past deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom (Balad, Iraq), Operation Enduring Freedom (Kosovo), and most recently, Operation Inherent Resolve/Operation Spartan Shield (Kuwait, Iraq, Syria).
He concluded his remarks by thanking the friends, family, and fellow Soldiers who supported him throughout his career.
“Above the Best, Wings of Thunder. Thunder 6 out,” Armstrong said.
In assuming command, Spicer brings his own wealth of experience.
Spicer’s first assignment was as a liaison officer with the 63rd TAB. He later served as the commander of Delta Company 1-131st Aviation Regiment, commander of Detachment 2, 1-169th Aviation Regiment, commander of Charlie Company, 1-376th Security and Support Battalion, battalion operations officer and executive officer of the 751st Troop Command, battalion operations officer and executive officer for the 63rd TAB, battalion commander of 751st Troop Command, and commander of the Army Aviation Support Facility. Spicer’s deployments include Operation Iraqi Freedom (Balad, Iraq) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Kosovo).
“To the mentors who guide us along the journey, to the families that help provide love, compassion and the next generation, and to the units. Of which [the units] are the most remarkable teams we have here in Kentucky, setting the standard is the paragon of excellence. Thank you,” said Spicer.
The change of command ceremony symbolizes continuity and dedication within the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade, ensuring readiness and leadership in the face of future challenges.