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JBSA News
NEWS | Oct. 4, 2017

U.S. Army South welcomes new commander

By Maj. Jamelle A. Garner U.S. Army South Public Affairs

Maj. Gen. Clarence K.K. Chinn relinquished command of U.S. Army South to the incoming commander, Maj. Gen. Mark R. Stammer, on the historic MacArthur Parade Field at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Oct. 3.

After 36 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Army, Chinn affectionately informed the audience that he will now fall under the new command of his wife, Val.

The ceremony included the traditional military pomp and circumstance associated with military change of command ceremonies. The 323rd Army Band, “Fort Sam’s Own” led the way with historical military musical selections that guided the troops in formation. The Salute Battery from Army North Headquarters Support Company, commanded by Capt. Jung Son, added an extra touch with their battery salute.

Admiral Kurt W. Tidd, commander of United States Southern Command, served as the reviewing officer for today’s historic occasion.

Chinn assumed command of U.S. Army South June 4, 2015, and since then has cemented the organization’s reputation as the reliable partner of choice.

Of his many contributions, Chinn has ensured the organization continues its support of multi-national operations to counter transregional and transnational threat networks and execute rapid response to humanitarian disaster relief operations.

Most recently, he oversaw support operations in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“K.K. worked tirelessly to gain additional resources so that our Soldiers can spend more time with their counterparts to improve interoperability and partner nation capacity,” Tidd said as he praised the numerous efforts and improvements gained during Chinn’s tenure.

“From start to finish this operation is perfectly focused and flawlessly executed,” Tidd concluded.

During his final remarks, Chinn thanked several Soldiers, civilians, civic leaders and partner nation allies in attendance, but he took a moment to especially recognize and honor former Army Senior leaders in the crowd like retired Maj. Gens. Simeon Trombitas, Lawson Magruder and Alfred Valenzuela.

“We honor them for what they have done for Army South and for the nation, ensuring we remained the strongest and most powerful nation in the world during their watch. Please stand up so we can thank you for your selfless service and honoring us today with your presence and ensuring we do not forget whose shoulders we stand upon today,” Chinn said.

In a previous assignment, Stammer served as the commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa in Djibouti, Africa. As a native Texan, he looks forward to being back in his home state.

“It’s a great day to be a part of U.S. Southern Command and Army South,” Stammer said.

“Admiral Tidd, sir, thank you very much for the opportunity to serve with this tremendous organization and alongside our great partners, Donna and I are ready to pick up the mission and carry on,” concluded Stammer.