Col. Ourada takes charge of the 655th RSG

  • Published
  • By by Staff Sgt. Tamara Williams
  • 439th Airlift Wing

The Army’s 655th Regional Support Group at Westover Air Reserve Base hosted a change of command ceremony for incoming commander, Col. Lyle A. Ourada, and outgoing commander, Col. Jimmey W. Todd Jr., May 5, 2019, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. The Army’s 655th Regional Support Group is a tenant unit on Westover. Its mission is to function as a command and control headquarters to extend the force protection capabilities of the Combat Support Brigade. Change of command ceremonies are one of the military’s oldest traditions. Dating back to the 18th century, flags were developed with color arrangements and symbols unique to each unit. These unique markings served as a rallying point and reminder of allegiance to leaders during battle. Today, the purpose of the ceremony is to allow subordinates to witness the formality of command change from one officer to another.