JTF-DC Commander assumes interim command of District of Columbia National Guard

WASHINGTON, DC (01/20/2017)(readMedia)-- Joint Task Force – District of Columbia (JTF-DC) Commander Brig. Gen. William J. Walker, U.S. Army National Guard, assumed interim command of the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) at 12:01 p.m. today.

"It is an honor and a privilege to serve in this capacity," said Walker. "I look forward to working with the men and women of the D.C. National Guard and to serving our new commander-in-chief."

Walker, who was previously the District of Columbia Army National Guard land component commander, assumed command from Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, who retired at 12 p.m. after more than 40 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard. Col. Aaron R. Dean, U.S. Army National Guard, will serve as the interim land component commander and has assumed command of the JTF-DC, which is comprised of more than 7,500 National Guard soldiers and airmen, representing 44 states, three U.S. territories and the District of Columbia supporting today's inauguration.

Additionally, Joint Force Headquarters, DCNG also announces U.S. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. George Degnon as The Adjutant General. Degnon, currently the deputy commander of Joint Task Force – National Capital Region and former commander of the District of Columbia Air National Guard's 113th Wing, assumed the role of The Adjutant General from Maj. Gen. Renwick L. Payne, U.S. Army National Guard.

Walker's prior leadership assignments include Commander, Mobilization Augmentation Command; Deputy Commander Army Forces, JTF-DC, 57th Presidential Inauguration; Chief of Staff, District of Columbia Army National Guard; Chief, Theater Observation Detachment - Afghanistan and Senior Liaison Officer to the Commander, International Security Assistance Force-Afghanistan for the Center for Army Lessons Learned; Strategic Planner, American Embassy Kabul; Vice J-2, National Guard Bureau, Intelligence Directorate and Commander, U.S. Army South, and Joint Task Force – Jamaica.

For the full bios please click here: http://www.dcng-inauguration.com/leadership