ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (June 4, 2015) -- The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command officially welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew B. Connette, during an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony, June 4, at ATEC Headquarters.

During the ceremony, ATEC's Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Peter D. Utley, passed the ATEC unit colors to signify his trust and confidence in Connette in executing the duties as ATEC's senior enlisted leader. Connette's predecessor, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald E. Orosz, departed in March to become the command sergeant major for the U.S. Army North.

"Command Sgt. Maj. Connette is an extremely competent, intelligent and articulate leader who, without a doubt, is the right person for this job," Utley said during his remarks.

Utley said Connette's technical expertise and strategic perspective will be an asset as he continues to build upon the exceptional work his predecessors have accomplished.

Connette brings years of experience with him, and most recently, from his last assignment at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas, where he served as a chief instructor for the Sergeants Major Resident Course.

"It's my great honor to be a part of this great team of soldiers and Army civilians, and I will do my best to serve you all and our Army, every day," Connette said.

He's served in multiple overseas assignments, including Friedberg and Bϋdingen, Germany, where he served in 3rd Armored Divisions, and Camp Gary Owen in Korea where he was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division.

A Wilmington, North Carolina, native, Connette enlisted in the Army in August 1985. Since then, he's earned awards including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal during his military career.

For the first time in his official capacity as ATEC's command sergeant major, Connette ended his remarks with "Truth in Testing! Army Strong!"