A former commander of Fort Myer has a new assignment, and likely soon will have a new rank.

U.S. Army Col. Laura Richardson in July assumed command of Operational Test Command at Fort Hood, Texas. The command plans and conducts operational tests, assessments and experiments related to warfare systems for the Army, and reports on its findings.

An Army aviator, Richardson succeeded Brig. Gen. Donald MacWillie, and is now designated “colonel (promotable),” meaning she likely will be promoted to brigadier general during her service at Fort Hood.

Richardson is the first female commander of Operational Test Command, as she was the first female commander of Fort Myer Military Community (now part of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall).

It is not Richardson’s first posting at Fort Hood; as a captain, she served as commander of an aviation company. She also has served in Iraq and South Korea.

As garrison commander of Fort Myer and Fort McNair for two years, Richardson supervised 1,400 military and civilian personnel.

Previously a military aide to then-Vice President Al Gore, Richardson left garrison command at Fort Myer in 2009, when she was appointed the Army’s liaison to the U.S. Senate, a post she held until her new appointment.

“Her tireless work helped to further strengthen the relationship between the Senate and the Department of the Army, and through her leadership, new doors were opened,” said U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, a Democrat from Richardson’s home state of Colorado.

Richardson’s husband, Army Brig. Gen. Jim Richardson, also is posted to Fort Hood. The Richardsons have one daughter, Lauren, who continues to live in Arlington.