The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity welcomed Col. William Geesey as its new commander today at the change of command ceremony.

Col. Stephen Dalal relinquished his two-year command to Geesey who is coming to the USAMMDA from the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences in Bangkok, Thailand, where he served as the commander.

"In the Army, we have a wonderful tradition of replacing quality officers with equally qualified and impressive officers; and Col. Bill Geesey and his family clearly fit the mold," said Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein, commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, in his opening remarks. "Their career spans every kind of medical leadership assignment in the Army, cutting his baby teeth at Fort Bragg and serving in every level of command as well as an executive assistant to the commanding general at North American Regional Medical Command."

"I am immensely proud to join such a fine organization with a long history of significant contributions to the health and welfare of our Nation's service members," said Geesey. "To the staff of the USAMMDA, you are the heart and soul of the organization and I commit to you to give you my all in supporting our vital mission."

Lein commended Dalal for a phenomenal job of selfless service and mentorship.

"We are losing Stephen (Dalal) to the Senior Service College, but I am sure we will see his smiling face amongst the USAMRMC and in other AMEDD leadership positions soon," said Lein.

"The USAMMDA team is composed of military, civilians and contractors who are certified professionals working with a unified sense of purpose," said Dalal. "We all come together in the morning to be a part of something bigger than ourselves."

Dalal and his family will be moving on to the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

"USAMMDA, you are an exceptional team with expertise in DOD acquisition and product development, regulatory science and FDA submissions, clinical trial oversight and clinical trial monitoring," said Dalal. "It has been a privilege and highlight of my career to work with you all over the past two years as your commander."

Dalal parted with welcoming words to Geesey.

"You are a great leader with a wealth of experience - with you at the helm, I know the USAMMDA is in good hands."

In his remarks, Geesey thanked Dalal for the tremendous job he has done over the past two years.