Staff Writer
First Lieutenant Jason R. White assumed command of the Maine Army National Guard 185 Engineer Support Company during the Change of Command Ceremony held at the Caribou Armory, April 12. White assumed the command from outgoing Captain John Wilmot during the prestigious event.
Contributed photo
1st. Lt Robert White, of Rockland assumed command of the 185th Engineer Support Company Unit, Saturday, April 12 at the Caribou National Guard Armory. White received the unit colors from Lt. Col. Drummond, during the Change of Command ceremony. Capt. John Wilmot of Enfield, received an Army Commendation Award during the ceremony for serving as the 185th Engineer Support Company Unit Commander. Wilmot will now be serving with the 286th Support Battalion.
The Change of Command Ceremony is a time-honored tradition, which formally transfers total responsibility, authority and accountability from one commander to another. The passing of the guidon during the ceremony represents transfer and signifies that the unit was never without leadership. Throughout military history, unit colors have marked the position of the commander on the battlefield and have served as a rallying point. In more recent times the colors have represented heritage, unity and loyalty of the soldiers.
Outgoing commander, Capt.Wilmot of Enfield, is scheduled to deploy to Iraq with the Bangor-based 286th Combat Support Battalion in 2008. The new commander deployed to Iraq with the 133rd Engineer Battalion in 2003.
The 185th Engineer Company transformed from the 152nd Field Artillery Battalion in 2006. Since that time, the unit has learned engineering skills put to use in Aroostook County. This summer the 185th will assist in building football fields in Presque Isle.
