Third woman assumes command in the history of the Yuma Test Center

Yuma Proving Ground ( YPG ) welcomed its new commander of the Yuma Test Center Thursday morning.

Yuma Test Center ( YTC ) said goodbye to Lt. Col. Timothy Matthews while welcoming Lt. Col. Alicia J. Johnson.

Serving as Senior Acquisition Officer for the Survivability Evaluation Directorate at the Army Evaluation Center in Aberdeen, Maryland, Lt. Col. Johnson assumes command at YTC , joining a select few women to ever hold the position.

Johnson said it’s a huge responsibility, but it’s also an honor to have the guidon passed over to her, as YTC’s new leader.

She will be the third woman to hold the title of commander of YTC in 56 years.

” As I look forward to this challenge, what I plan to bring [to YTC ] is me, ” Johnson said.

Stepping into the shoes of women who’ve broken the stereotypes, Lt. Col. Johnson appreciates the legacy of the two female commanders who came before her, like Lt. Col. Michelle Stoleson (ret.).

Stoleson’s words to Johnson on this new achievement, ” Bring your new insights and really grow the organization and make it the best that she can make it. ”

Without question, Johnson’s extensive background in acquisition and artillery, entering active duty in 1997, set her apart from other competitors in the military’s selection process.

Commander Col. Ross Poppenberger stands by the military’s acquisition recruitment team’s selection system saying, ” It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female. What matters is what you do for the nation and I have 100 percent confidence in her ability. ”

Johnson will be responsible for modernizing YTC’s methods and resources, already eyeing a few projects like the Cross-Functional Team efforts, more specifically the Long-Range Precision Fires.

Her motto is to get America’s sons and daughters home safely by making sure they have the modern tools and resources to accomplish their mission.

Johnson takes pride in being the next leader in this premier organization and commends her predecessor for his exceptional leadership, saying, ” Lt. Col. Matthews was a phenomenal leader. I have big shoes to fill. He’s done a great job. ”

A major advocate for getting young girls involved in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, Lt. Col. Johnson hopes to be an inspiration, as more women are taking on leadership roles in the military.

She will begin her three-year tour at YTC on July 23.