WEST FORT HOOD, Texas -- Operational Test Command welcomed its 27th commander during a change of command ceremony here Tuesday.

Col. John C. Ulrich comes to OTC after his most recent stint as Chief, Army Budget Liaison, at the Pentagon's Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management and Comptroller.

Ulrich served previously at Fort Hood as an Intelligence Officer in 1995.

Brig. Gen. Kenneth L. Kamper, who commanded OTC since Aug. 19, 2015, heads to Fort Carson, Colorado, where he will serve as the deputy commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division.

"Ken, your support and leadership at OTC this past year has been simply phenomenal," said Maj. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler, commander of U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command, OTC's higher headquarters at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

"It's hard to believe … it seems like last August was just last week," he continued. "But in that short time span, there were 55 different operational tests OTC presided over, all carried out professionally, providing Army leadership with the information to make decisions on suitable and survivable equipment to field to our Soldiers."

Karbler praised Kamper on making sure Soldiers have the equipment necessary to engage the Nation's enemies in any environment, and return home to their families.

To generous applause, Karbler said, "With flags flying, a band playing, and cannons going off, John Ulrich is so glad to not be in a briefing or meeting in the Pentagon. He's got the biggest smile of anyone sitting in the audience."

As Kamper took to the podium, he praised OTC Soldiers and Civilians by referring to a plaque dedicated to General Creighton Abrams by the Army War College class of 1974 at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, which reads:

"There must be a willingness to march a little farther, to carry a heavier load, to step out into the dark and the unknown for the safety and well-being of others."

"While Creighton Abrams was talking about Soldiers in our Army and what Soldiers do for our country," Kamper said, "What I see right here at Operational Test Command is a dedicated group of professionals, both military and Civilian, who march a little further.

"They don't shy away from carrying a heavy testing load," he continued. "They're willing to step out into any and every testing environment to make sure that our Soldiers get the best possible equipment. They conduct 50 to 70 tests per year, and they do it because it matters greatly to our Army and our Nation."

Bringing the ceremony to a close, Ulrich stepped to the podium thanking his wife and family for their loving support, and all his extended family members who journeyed from Montana and Vermont to attend.

Ulrich said he was truly excited to be back at Fort Hood after leaving 21 years ago.

"Since that time, the 'Great Place' and the surrounding communities have grown, and I am confident that the incredible support you all provide to Soldiers and their Families has grown even more," he said.

"I am honored and humbled to join this great team of Soldiers and Army Civilians, and look forward to working beside each of you to ensure our Soldiers have safe, reliable and operationally relevant equipment that supports their mission," Ulrich added.