FORT CAMPBELL, KY – (CLARKSVILLENOW) The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) welcomed new leadership Thursday as Major General Andrew P. Poppas became the new Commanding General of the 101st and Fort Campbell. Around 10,000 Screaming Eagle soldiers were present at the Division Change of Command Ceremony that took place at the Division Parade Field on Post. General Poppas talked about taking over leadership of the 101st. “It’s truly a humbling experience to stand here today and assume command of this storied division. This is a division whose reputation of combat prowess was born in the most extreme condition of WWII and its legacy of heroism continues on today with the warriors that are standing before you,” he said. Major General Gary J. Volesky has commanded the 101st since June of 2014 and will soon be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and take command of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. Poppas is no stranger to Fort Campbell; he has served as the commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team “Bastogne” and the Deputy Commanding General for Operations of the 101st. The ceremony included a firing of cannons by a salute battery and a review of the troops by Lieutenant General Stephen J. Townsend, Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, General Volesky and General Poppas. The passing of the colors is one of the major highlights of the Change of Command Ceremony. The colors represent the lineage and honors of the unit as well as the loyalty and unity of the soldiers. It symbolizes the transfer of responsibility and authority from the old commander to the new commander. The custodian of the colors is Command Sergeant Major Gregory F. Nowak, the senior enlisted soldier in the division and primary adviser to the commander. Along with many local community leaders and supporters of Fort Campbell, a large number of members of the West Point class of 1988, the graduating class of General Poppas, were on hand to show their support. See a full photo Gallery by clicking the photo below 🙂