The Soldiers, civilians and Family members of U.S. Army Operational Test Command welcomed a new senior-enlisted advisor March 14 at a Change of Responsibility ceremony on West Fort Hood.

There, outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bobb relinquished his responsibilities to Command Sgt. Maj. Antoine Overstreet. OTC’s Commanding General Brig. Gen. Laura Richardson said the ceremony was bittersweet, as the team publically said farewell to the Bobb Family and welcomed the Overstreets.

“Today, we honor the incredible leadership of Command Sgt. Maj. Bobb and welcome another proven leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Overstreet,” she said during her remarks.

Richardson shared a humorous story with the large group in attendance, relating to the position command sergeants major hold in the U.S. Army.

“I learned when I was a second lieutenant that as far as Army leadership goes, a general can leap tall buildings with a single bound, is more powerful than a locomotive, faster than a speeding bullet, able to walk on water in typhoons and writes policy for God,” she said. “A sergeant major, however, lifts the tall buildings and walks underneath them, kicks locomotives off the tracks, catches bullets in his teeth and eats them, freezes water with a single glance and is God.”

She spoke highly of Bobb’s service to the nation, which has spanned more than 30 years.

“Sergeant Maj. Bobb works tirelessly to improve safety standards and reduce safety hazards before equipment is even tested by Soldiers,” Richardson related. “The Soldiers in this command know that Command Sgt. Maj. Bobb is dedicated to the mission.”

The ceremony was also a retirement ceremony for Bobb, although he will not leave the Army until September. While he spoke highly of his time in the service and the experience at OTC, he said he is ready to begin the next chapter in his life.

“If there’s going to be any crying, you’re going to have to do it for me,” he said with a laugh. “I’m glad to be here, I’m excited. It has truly been an honor for me to serve as the OTC Command Sergeant Major.”

Bobb added, “I know that you will embrace Command Sgt. Maj. Overstreet and his wife, Yvonne, and their kids, and make them part of the Fort Hood, the ATEC (U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command) and the Operational Test Command teams.”

Richardson said that she handpicked Overstreet for the position at OTC.

“He’s a warrior and a leader, and he’s no stranger to Fort Hood and the local community,” she said before addressing Overstreet directly. “I know you have the vision and enthusiasm to guide this command, and its Families, as they insure truth in testing.”

While Overstreet kept his remarks brief, he thanked the audience and his Family.

“I did not write a speech … because I haven’t done anything, I’m just taking all the credit for what Sgt. Maj. Bobb has done,” he said with a smile.

“It is a great privilege to be here, and I just want to wish the best to Sgt. Maj. Bobb … and his Family,” Overstreet added.

The newest OTC Command Sergeant Major enlisted in 1986 and has served at Fort Hood, Fort Bragg, N.C., and Italy, among other locations. He said he also worked with Bobb earlier in his career.

“It’s been a great privilege to servewith Sgt. Maj. Bobb. I had the distinct pleasure to serve with him when I was a young sergeant promotable. All the things he taught me, I’ve carried with me,” Overstreet said.

He concluded his remarks with a simple statement, “I am ready to go to work.”

OTC was originally organized in 1969. The command is the Army’s only independent operational test organization, and the Soldiers and civilians of the command ensure that each piece of equipment used by Soldiers is operationally tested before being fielded by the Army.

Overstreet is the 15th command sergeant major of the command.