SUWON AIR BASE, South Korea — Lt. Col. Ethan Hall relinquished command of 6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, to Lt. Col. Mark Pelini during a change of command ceremony July 7 at Suwon Air Base, South Korea.
The 6-52 ADA Battalion plays an integral role in ballistic missile defense for the Republic of Korea. Stationed across the peninsula, the Iron Horse Battalion provides a sphere of defense that aides in the deterrence of adversary aggression.
When reflecting on his tenure in command, Hall's proudest moment was a recent opportunity when his battalion was called up to execute the very mission for which they continuously train.
"The battalion responded absolutely flawlessly," said Hall. "Within a few hours of notification, we were able to execute our mission, and that doesn't happen by accident, it happens through a lot of practice and rehearsals."
After two years in command, Hall will move on to the Pentagon for his next assignment, where he'll serve in the operations section on the Joint Staff.
"The Iron Horse Battalion has earned the reputation as a superbly led, disciplined, well maintained, and trained formation, that is indeed ready to fight tonight," said Col. Mark Holler, 35th ADA Brigade commander. "The Soldiers that have served in this command, come away as better Soldiers, better leaders, and better Americans."
Incoming commander Pelini, and his family come to the Republic of Korea from Washington D.C., where he last served as the Missile Defense Branch Chief at the Pentagon.
"I'm absolutely humbled to be in this position," said Pelini. "Any opportunity you get to lead Soldiers is a great opportunity. My family and I are very excited about joining the Iron Horse team."
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