2nd Engineer Brigade change of command

  • Published
  • By Air Force Staff Sgt. Blake Mize
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  In a ceremony with roots that pre-date the United States itself, Army Col. Peter Andrysiak took command of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's 2nd Engineer Brigade for Army Col. Thomas Roth Aug. 22 at Hangar 1 on JBER.

The 2nd Eng. Bde. is a modular deployable headquarters able to function as a higher headquarters for several subordinate engineer units, and could potentially function as a joint headquarters including Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine components. Andrysiak became the second commander of the 2nd Eng. Bde. since it was activated on JBER Sep. 21, 2011.

Andrysiak comes to Alaska from the Senior Service College at the National War College in Washington, D.C. He received his commission in the U.S. Corps of Engineers in May of 1990 following graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

As commander, Andrysiak will oversee the preparation and deployment of two battalion headquarters, six companies, two detachments and two teams in support of operations in the Central Command area of responsibility and throughout Pacific Command.

"Without question, the privilege to command Soldiers is the goal of every professional officer," Andrysiak said. "The opportunity to serve alongside the very best our nation has to offer has no equal. These selfless Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, officers and their families are the one percent of our nation who volunteered to pursue this noble calling. They made this decision in a time of war knowing the risks. They are the reason we have the world's finest Army."

Roth spoke fondly of his time as commander of 2nd Eng. Bde., which began when the unit was activated.

"I am humbled to have been the commander of the 2nd Eng. Bde.," he said. "To command the superb Soldiers standing here today, those on duty at some other location and those who came before is the highlight of my Army career."

Although the 2nd Eng. Bde. has only been active on JBER for two years, it can trace its roots all the way back to the 1940s.

"Though the recent history of the 2nd Eng. Bde. may be light, its World War II and Korean conflict history is rich with valuable lessons," Andrysiak said. "I am confident that the Soldiers and leaders of this brigade will give their best effort to tackle today's complicated mission sets."