The 133rd Engineer Battalion Conducts Change of Command

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Lt. Col. Dean Preston, the outgoing commander of 133rd Engineer Battalion, Maine Army National Guard receives a Meritorious Service Medal from Col. Michael Mclaughlin, the acting chief of staff

PORTLAND, ME (11/02/2014)(readMedia)-- The 133rd Engineer Battalion held a change of command ceremony Saturday, November 1, Stevens Avenue Armory, Portland. Brigadier General James D. Campbell attended the ceremony for the recently returned Soldiers of the Battalion.

Change of command ceremonies are a time honored military tradition that represents a transfer of authority for a unit from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander. The passing of the guidon is symbolic of the trust and commitment of the men and women in the unit and signifies that the unit is never without leadership.

Lt. Col. Dan Curtis of Auburn replaced Lt. Col. Dean Preston of Pembroke as battalion commander. "It's an honor to assume command of the 133rd Engineer Battalion from a friend and one of the finest officers with which I've ever served. I look forward to serving with Maine's engineers as we continue our time honored support of our neighbors, communities, and nation." Curtis said.

"This is a great day for the battalion and for the Maine National Guard." Campbell said. "We get to recognize Lt. Col. Dean Preston, who led the unit through its recent mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan, and who did a superb job in accomplishing a very tough and complex mission. We also get to see Lt. Col. Dan Curtis take command – Lt. Col. Curtis is an experienced and highly accomplished officer who is absolutely the right person to lead the unit right now. It gives me enormous confidence in our organization's future when we have officers like these men leading our units and Soldiers."

The Soldiers attending the ceremony were reminded of the rich heritage of the Maine National Guard, the appreciation for their service and sacrifice. "I cannot say enough about the Maine Army National Guard and the type of Leaders and Soldiers we are building. I have enjoyed a great journey with great Soldiers, I look forward to the next one." Preston said.

Preston will continue to serve in the Maine Army National Guard as deputy chief of staff.

The 133rd Engineer Battalion mobilized to support the war fighting efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as for disaster relief throughout the nation. The Maine National Guard protects its communities and the nation by mobilizing its Soldiers and Airmen wherever and whenever needed.

The 133rd Engineer Battalion headquarters is located in Portland.