FORT EUSTIS, Va –
Joint Task Force Civil Support welcomed its new senior enlisted leader, Air Force Chief Master Sergeant James L. Brown, during a change of responsibility ceremony at Mullan Hall Oct. 27, 2017.
Brown becomes the ninth senior enlisted leader in the 18-year history of the command, replacing Navy Command Master Chief Jeffrey A. Covington. Covington is moving to a new assignment as command master chief of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
“I am truly humbled by the opportunity to serve our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and civilian teammates,” said Brown. “I will always place the needs of our guardian warriors before the needs of my own and I will continue to serve our nation’s military and citizens with the highest degree of honor and service before self.”
The senior enlisted leader of a unit is charged with mentoring enlisted military members, upholding standards, enforcing discipline and giving sound advice to the commander and members of the unit.
“There are many challenges ahead of us,” said Brown. “I look forward to our command confronting them head on and providing our country with world-class guardian warriors that are ready, willing and able to serve at a moment’s notice.”
Brown, a native of Kansas City, Kansas, entered the Air Force in 1985 and has completed multiple deployments overseas in support of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch.
“My family has supported my military and civilian careers and has forfeited much in order for me to serve my community, state and nation for well over 30 years,” said Brown.
The change of responsibility ceremony is rich with traditions that date back to the days of knighthood. The unit’s flag, which is a symbol of its history, is also used to represent the change of responsibility and identify the new senior enlisted leader to each service member. During the ceremony, Covington passed the colors to Maj. Gen. Richard Gallant, JTF-CS commander, who then passed the colors to Brown, signifying the transfer of responsibilities.
“This is a great assignment,” said Brown. “This is truly a one of a kind mission and I am very proud and humbled to be here.”
JTF-CS anticipates, plans and integrates U.S. Northern Command chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear operations. JTF-CS provides command and control for designated Department of Defense specialized response forces to assist local, state, federal and tribal partners in saving lives, preventing further injury, and providing critical support to enable community recovery.