Army Support Activity Fort Dix Welcomes New Commander

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST – In a recent ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, U.S. Army Col. Martin Klein relinquished command of the U.S. Army Support Activity (ASA) Fort Dix to U.S. Army Col. James E. Martin, Jr.

Martin is a former Infantry and Information Systems Officer and previously served as Deputy to the Army Reserve Deputy Commanding General of Support.

Highlights of the day, which began at 10 a.m., included posting of the colors by a joint color guard, formation of service members and ceremonial music provided by a live military band.

The ceremony was filled with Joint Base MDL service members and civic leaders, including 3rd District Congressman Tom MacArthur. Brenda McCullough, U.S. Army Instillation Management Command Director and ASA Fort Dix Command Sgt. Major Patrick McKie oversaw the change of command, which took place in the Timmerman Center.

Martin will lead the ASA Fort Dix and assume the role of Joint Base MDL Deputy Commander, serving alongside U.S. Air Force Col. Neil Richardson, Joint Base MDL and 87th Air Base Wing Commander, and U.S. Navy Captain Christopher Bergen, Naval Support Activity Lakehurst and Joint Base MDL Deputy Commander.

Klein gave a farewell speech during the ceremony, expressing his gratitude toward both the Joint Base MDL community and his family.

“It has been my honor to have known you and to serve alongside you,” said Klein in a statement. “This command has given me a newfound sense of respect for [not only the soldiers], but for the sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who call this joint base home.”

The new Deputy Commander of Joint Base MDL also took to the podium to address the crowd.

“While our history is rich, Col. Klein has positioned us to look toward the future so that ASA Fort Dix will once again provide readiness capabilities that enable the Army and joint force to meet 21st century security challenges,” said Martin. “To every soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, Coast Guardsman, and Department of Defense civilian: you are the very fabric of our military and our most treasured resource. You are ‘The Ultimate Weapon.’ We will support ‘The Ultimate Weapon!’”