Sgt. Betty Y. Boomer, 24th Press Camp Headquarters:

Col. Daniel R. Hirsch assumed command from Col. Dave Wellons of the Integrated Test and Evaluation Directorate in a ceremony held here, May 30.

ITED is a test directorate of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command, Fort Hood, Texas, which is a subordinate command of the Army Test and Evaluation Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. The command is responsible for conducting operational tests and evaluations to determine the effectiveness, survivability and suitability of all new equipment, systems and technology.

ITED’s mission, after activating in 2010, is to provide Soldiers with the best equipment available for their deployment, mission execution and safety. By integrating fielding, training, testing and evaluating the integrated network is able to handle combat situational awareness.

At this ceremony, ITED bid farewell to Wellons and his wife, Edna, who joined the unit in 2011.

“This is the departure of one leader and the walk of another,” said Maj. Gen. Genaro J. Dellarocco, commanding general, ITED, in his opening remarks.

Wellons will be retiring after more than 30 years of service and is confident Hirsch will be an effective commander.

“We had a couple of crisis that arrived while finishing up the Network Integrated Evaluation 13.2,” said Wellons. “He (Hirsch) picked up the mantle and carried it while we were executing missions.”

Hirsch’s most recent assignment was as the assistant chief of staff for the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense integration and testing with the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, here.

“I would like to thank Major General Dellarocco for the opportunity to command one last time,” said Hirsch. “It’s a bittersweet way to end a military career and nothing is a more rewarding duty than the responsibility to lead our team Soldiers, civilians and contractors here.

“Commanders come and go, but the organization continues to march forward, maintained by the bedrock foundations of its members,” said Hirsch.