Scott AFB change of command ceremony set for Aug. 24

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE. – U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons will take command of the U.S. Transportation Command during a ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 24.

Lyons (center in photo), who will be promoted to the rank of general prior to the ceremony, will relieve U.S. Air Force Gen. Darren W. McDew, who will retire after 36 years of military service. Lyons is the first Army officer to lead the command.

USTRANSCOM is a global combatant command with functional responsibilities for air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense, ultimately delivering combat power on behalf of the President and the Secretary of Defense anywhere in the world at the time and place of our choosing.

The ceremony will be live streamed Aug. 24, 2018, beginning at 9:30 a.m., at https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/16375 and at https://www.facebook.com/USTRANSCOM.

Ceremonial artillery fire will take place at the base from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and the public is being advised that the firings are “blanks,” ceremonial only, and pose no risk to the local communities.