JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The United States Army Priority Air Transport Command conducted an age-old tradition designed to inspire unit pride here, July 19. The symbolic gesture of passing the torch, or guidon in this case, from one commander to another was exemplified as Lt. Col. Erich R. Then assumed command from Col. David R. Applegate.
Then, who spent the last three years working at the Pentagon Department of the Army G8 headquarters, was charged with the responsibility of leading one-of-three Army detachments which retain a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft for the United States' topmost government representatives.
"I'm very fortunate to be selected as the USAPAT battalion commander here," said Then. "This assignment was at the top of my list, I'm very happy to be in this position."
Headquartered here at Andrews since 1988, USAPAT's mission is to provide senior Army leadership, key government officials and congressional delegates in support of Army missions, as directed, with fast, long-range, safe and professional executive airlift transportation throughout the world.
From their European command out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to their Pacific command out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, USAPAT's operational efficiency has earned notable achievements, such as the Safety Excellence Award for May 2012 to May 2013.
Under Applegate's command, USAPAT successfully flew nine missions in direct support to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts, a legacy Then said he hopes to further.
"My main goal is to make sure the fox hole is left better than it was when I found it," said Then. "Col. Applegate has done a phenomenal job during a very high-stress mission. He's got an outstanding team working for him. I want to continue that tradition of mission excellence."