Friends and family gathered at the superintendentʼs residence to watch as the former superintendent, Gen. Darryl A. Williams, relinquished command of the U.S. Military Academy to the 61st Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Steven W. Gilland, during a change of command ceremony on Monday at West Point.
“Itʼs a humble privilege to serve as the 61st superintendent and to lead this garrison ... and, most importantly, this institution ...,ˮ Gilland said. “As the world’s preeminent leadership institution, we will continue to develop leaders of character for our Army guided by a ‘people-firstʼ mindset and a ‘winning mattersʼ attitude.ˮ
Recently serving as the deputy commanding general of 3rd Armored Corps at Fort Hood, Texas, Gilland spent his storied career leaving his mark on the Long Gray Line as a USMA Class of 1990 graduate.
Currently, he holds a masterʼs degree in operational art and science and, in the past, has served as the Commandant of Cadets at West Point.
Gilland also served as the commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea, and received multiple awards and decorations throughout his career, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal and Legion of Merit, among others.
“We will remain integrated with the Armyʼs priorities of readiness, modernization and people, as well as the Secretary of the Armyʼs (Christine Wormuthʼs) six objectives,ˮ Gilland said. “West Point is a living, breathing leadership laboratory, and as such, we will continue to educate, train and inspire leaders to build cohesive teams who are trained, disciplined and fit.ˮ
Gilland added how vital West Pointʼs mission is to never lose focus on the significant choice young future leaders like the Class of 2026 and other aspiring leaders across the country have made to protect and serve the Nation.
“They are the future of our Army,ˮ Gilland said. “... And we have the honor, responsibility and obligation to train and inspire them. Let us all serve as role models demonstrating what it means to live and lead honorably and to represent excellence to our Armyʼs next-generation leaders of character.ˮ
During the ceremony, both Gilland and Williams received promotions. Gillandʼs family pinned his shoulders as he ranked up to a lieutenant general. Meanwhile, Williams earned his fourth star as general.
“... We try to live the Army values every single day, and (the Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville) asked me about a year ago, ‘hey, do you think you can go a little longer?ʼ and I said, ‘if I get to serve with our great Soldiers and noncommissioned officers chief, absolutely,ʼˮ Williams said.
Williams will assume command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa during a ceremony Tuesday in Wiesbaden, Germany.