The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity welcomed Col. Stephen Dalal as its new commander at a change of command ceremony held at Fort Detrick, Md., April 12.

"Col. Dalal is coming to us from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, so he really isn't a stranger," said Brig. Gen. (P) Joseph Caravalho Jr., commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, in his opening remarks. "And he definitely chose a great command to come into. Under Col. Coleman's leadership, USAMMDA has accomplished significant scientific achievements."

Col. Russell Coleman relinquished his three-year command to Dalal, who is coming to USAMMDA from the WRAIR, where he served as the director of the Veterinary Services Program.

"Several years ago I was sitting in the back of the room for the USAMMDA change of command ceremony between Col. Brian Lukey and Col. Jerry Pierson. Watching that change of command, I said to myself, 'someday I would love to be part of that organization.'" said Dalal. "It is truly an honor for me to have been chosen to lead USAMMDA."

Not only did he reach his goal, Dalal stepped in to lead the command.

"USAMMDA has a reputation of success, and I know this is due to all of the outstanding members of USAMMDA that work together in a cohesive team with a unified sense of purpose," said Dalal.

Dalal praised Coleman for his leadership and thanked him for making the transition as seamless as possible.

Coleman left Dalal with a final piece of parting advice.

"You're in for a wild ride, but keep your sense of humor," said Coleman. "Be humble, recognize that you, just like all of us, don't know it all, and look after your people. You'll do just fine and have a great time."

Coleman will be moving on to assume command of Chemical-Biological Medical Systems for the USAMRMC.

"The past three years, two months, 22 days and four hours have been among the most rewarding of my almost 25-year military career," said Coleman.