YPG welcomes new commander
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA-TV) - Yuma Proving Ground officially welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony marking the transition of leadership from Colonel John Nelson to Colonel Charles Seaberry.
The ceremony, a longstanding military tradition, symbolizes the transfer of authority and responsibility through the passing of the unit's colors. Military leaders, community members, soldiers, and civilian employees gathered to honor both commanders as they marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
As he assumes command, Colonel Seaberry said one of his top priorities is ensuring military capabilities reach soldiers as quickly as possible.
"The ability to get capability into the hands of soldiers faster, and we play a big part in that. Our ability to test and turn around capability and get that data back into the hands of the users so that they can make informed decisions is something that I look to make one of our top priorities," Seaberry said.
Seaberry also shared a message with the Yuma community, expressing his commitment to building strong relationships throughout the region.
"We look forward to the couple of years we're going to have here. I tell all the workforce this and I tell the community this: as the commander, I work for you, and I am looking forward to working with all of our industry partners, community leaders, as well as the soldiers and civilians on this installation," he said.
Colonel Nelson, who has led Yuma Proving Ground for the past three years, reflected on the significance of the ceremony and the transition of leadership.
"We're celebrating a change of command, the passing of the colors from me to another colonel," Nelson said.
The passing of the colors represents the lineage and honor of the command, as well as the loyalty and unity of the soldiers and civilians who serve under it. The tradition is practiced across all branches of the military and serves as a visual representation of continuity in leadership.
Looking back on his time in Yuma, Nelson described his departure as bittersweet and praised the relationship between Yuma Proving Ground and the local community.
"It feels bittersweet. I'm excited to move on to my next assignment, but I am also looking back at all the hard work of the last three years and the relationship with this community that was designated a Great American Defense Community because of the collaboration and cooperation we've had with them for the last three years. I'm going to miss them," Nelson said.
Before departing, Nelson offered some advice to his successor.
"Trust your workforce. Create great relationships with the city, with the county and with the people that live here in Yuma," he said.
As Colonel Seaberry begins his tenure at Yuma Proving Ground, community leaders and military personnel alike are looking ahead to the next chapter of leadership at the installation. Meanwhile, Colonel Nelson moves on to his next assignment after three years of service in Yuma.
