Brig. Gen. Laura Richardson, outgoing United States Army Operational Test Command commanding general, relinquished command of USAOTC to Col. Joseph Martin, incoming OTC commander, Monday morning at OTC Headquarters on West Fort Hood.

True to the long-standing, symbolic change of command tradition, OTCs unit colors were passed from Richardson to Martin, signifying the beginning of a new commander.

During the ceremony, Pete Laky, OTC deputy G3, provided OTCs long history in the U.S. Army.

“OTC’s ultimate customer is the Soldier – our sons and daughters – who will judge our efforts with their lives and their mission accomplishment,” he said. “This is a sacred trust that will not be compromised.”

After gifts were presented to the Family members of both Richardson and Martin, Maj. Gen. Genaro Dellarocco, commanding general of Army Test and Evaluation Command, shared a few words about Richardson’s OTC command.

“In terms of Brig. Gen. Richardson, we are losing a great leader. While she was at OTC, she showed an exceptional level of courage and leadership,” Dellarocco said. “It was underneath Gen. Richardson’s leadership that the Army excelled.

“She left an incredible mark of excellence for OTC, I want to thank you for all you’ve done here,” he added, speaking directly to Richardson.

When she approached the podium, Richardson spoke about how honored she was to have had the opportunity to command such a unique unit.

“This command is the only one of its kind in the Army,” Richardson said.

Turning her attention to Martin, Richardson expressed her certainty that he will enjoy every minute of his command at OTC.

Present at the USAOTC change of command was retired Gen. Robert Shoemaker. Martin noted in his speech that Shoemaker, U.S. Army Operational Testers’ hall of famer and former OTC commander, has made and continues to make every OTC change of command ceremony, and Martin expressed how honored he was that Shoemaker was in attendance for this one.

“I am absolutely committed to continuing the OTC legacy,” Martin said, closing the ceremony. He also assured Dellarocco that he is ready and more than willing to keep OTC consistent and exceptional for the Army.

“Sir, I will deliver,” Martin said to Dellarocco, “and I will continue the outstanding leadership of this unit.”