SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras –
U.S. Army Col. William Prince Jr. assumes command of Army Support Activity, an Army garrison under the U.S. Army Installation Management Command, during a change of command ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, July 2, 2024.
Presiding over the ceremony was Patrick Appleman, Director of the U.S. Army IMCOM-Readiness.
“I would like to welcome Col. William Prince Jr. and his family as they take on this new role of garrison command,” said Appleman. “As a proven leader, I am confident that you will invest the same passion, professionalism, pride and expertise into the service members, civilians and family members of ASA-Soto Cano.”
The change of command ceremony is a military tradition dating back to the 18th century, where a guidon of the unit’s colors is passed to the incoming commander for the unit to witness their new leader assuming the position.
“It is with immense honor and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the next ASA commander,” said Prince. “I am humbled to lead such an exemplary team and to embark upon the challenges that lie ahead alongside each of you.”
Prince was previously assigned to the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the J 3/5, Operations and Plans, Director. He has over 24 years of transportation and command experience, including deployments for Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel earning him various awards and decorations, including two Bronze Stars.
In attendance to witness this historic tradition of U.S. Army Col. Paul Witkowski relinquishing command to Prince was the new U.S. Army South Commander, Brig. Gen. Philip Ryan, U.S. Embassy in Honduras including U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu, representatives from the Honduran government and Palmerola International Airport, and hundreds of U.S. and Honduran personnel.
“I’ve enjoyed my 12 months in beautiful Honduras, commanding SOUTHCOM’s (U.S. Southern Command) only forward operating site,” said Witkowski. “From the day I arrived, I’ve been fully immersed in all the wonderful complexities, problem solving and relationship-building that goes on in a dynamic joint, interagency, intergovernmental, multinational and private business operating environment.”
Witkowski was presented with an Ambassador’s Distinguished Appreciation Award by Dogu and a Meritorious Service Medal by Appleman for his accomplishments during his one-year command assignment.
Witkowski transitions to his next assignment as the Director of G3/5/7, Operations, Plans and Training, U.S. Army IMCOM Headquarters at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Since 2008, Army Support Activity has managed the garrison and installation activities and services. This has enabled readiness and mission execution for Joint Task Force-Bravo, while sustaining the environment and enhancing the wellbeing of over 1,350 military and civilians that make up Soto Cano Air Base community.