Col. Joseph Martin surrendered command of the U.S. Operational Test Command to James Amato, USAOTC executive director, April 11 after nearly 10 months in command.

In June, OTC will name another commander of the unit, but for the interim Amato will fill the position as the unit’s director.

Maj. Gen. Genaro Dellarocco, commanding general of US. Army Test and Evaluation Command and host of Martin’s relinquishment ceremony, shared a few words about Martin’s time as the OTC commander.

“Although Joe only came to us a little over nine months ago, he has done so much, so much has happened,” Dellarocco said.

Dellarocco highlighted many of Martin’s contributing accomplishments in the Army and at Fort Hood as the OTC commander, such as work on the Gray Eagle project, which is up and running at Fort Hood with success, and Martin’s contributions to the Army’s largest airship which is also up and running with success and playing a key part in the nation’s protection.

“We’re the eyes and ears on the battlefield … that’s the kind of leadership Martin created,” Dellarocco said.

Martin not only contributed significantly to the progress of OTC during his command, but also to the community by representing the Army in a positive way with local businesses and local schools including Central Texas Community College, the ATEC general said.

“Joe is a true leader and there are a lot of people in the military and civilian community that have benefitted from that leadership,” Dellarocco said. “So today we are saying goodbye to a great leader, but saying hello to another great leader – one you know well.”

Dellarocco attributed much of OTC’s success to its civilian executive director, James Amato, and said he feels no doubt that Amato will fill the position perfectly.

“Amato’s got a proven track record,” Dellarocco said, “and I feel very comfortable with him leading this organization.”

Martin echoed Dellarocco’s confidence in Amato’s leadership by saying Amato is fully qualified and knows OTC well.

“Amato is going to be the leader that you guys expect,” Martin said. “He is of the same caliber, but wears a different uniform.”

Martin thanked everyone who helped him in his success as the OTC commander, and reflected on how wonderful being that leader has been for him.

“Nine months ago, I said I was looking forward to working with this team,” Martin said. “I was confident in my ability to lead OTC because of past experiences and my skill sets that I figured would carry over into this new position.

“But they systematically schooled me,” Martin said with a laugh, remembering how different taking command of OTC has been from any other assignment. Martin looked back on how much he learned from the civilians and Soldiers who make up OTC, and how important OTC’s mission is.

“Soldiers spend countless hours and days training for battle,” Martin said, adding that those hours and time spent training is for nothing if their equipment isn’t functioning the way it should for them.

“We are in the business of ensuring that Soldiers are never wanting on the battlefield,” Martin said. “Our motivation is simple: to ensure a piece of equipment will live up to its expectations in battle.

“OTC – you’ve done that,” Martin said proudly.

Martin parted ways with OTC saying “thank you” to everyone and a final word to Amato, “People are what make this organization exceptional, Jim. Your experiences are invaluable to this command.”