On a warm summer morning, Maj. Gen. Barbara R. Holcomb assumed command of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick from Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein in an outdoor ceremony on Fort Detrick's Blue and Gray Field on July 28.

"Today, we say farewell to Maj. Gen. Brian Lein, who adeptly and enthusiastically led the MRMC, and we welcome Maj. Gen. Barbara Holcomb to the MRMC family," said Lt. Gen. Nadja Y. West, U.S. Army surgeon general and commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Command, who presided over the ceremony and the passing of the colors. "Barb Holcomb is an innovative, 21 century leader with all the well-honed skill sets to champion our enduring mission to protect our Soldiers."

Holcomb's previous assignment was as the Deputy Commanding General for Operations for MEDCOM and also as the Chief of the Nurse Corps, which is a position that she will retain during her command of the USAMRMC.

She is a 1987 Distinguished Military Graduate of Seattle University's Army ROTC where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She earned a Master's degree in nursing administration from the University of Kansas, a Master's level Certification in emergency and disaster management from American Military University, and a Master's in Military Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

As Holcomb assumes command of the USAMRMC and Fort Detrick, Lein will assume command of the U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

In his comments, Lein stated his wish to emulate Lou Gehrig's farewell address at Yankee Stadium which was under 280 words.

"I only wish I was as eloquent and brief as he was, and to paraphrase Lou, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth," said Lein as he gestured to the USAMRMC Soldiers in formation on the field. "Look at these great men and women on the field in front of you. Who wouldn't consider it the highlight of their career to just associate with them for even one day. I have been extremely proud and humbled to be able command this incredible organization and installation for the last two years."

As Holcomb took the podium in her first address as the USAMRMC and Fort Detrick commander, Holcomb joked the ceremony taking place in the steamy July weather was to acclimate Lein for the brutal heat of Texas.

"I am excited to be here, and I am really looking forward to working with all of you, learning from you and understanding the complexities of all you do," said Holcomb in her comments. Holcomb concluded with the AMEDD motto - "One Team...One Purpose! Conserve the Fighting Strength!"