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Around the Florida National Guard

News | Jan. 21, 2024

50th Regional Support Group conducts change of command ceremony

By Sgt. 1st Class Shane Klestinski 50th Regional Support Group

Army Brig. Gen. William Temple transferred his command of the 50th Regional Support Group to Army Col. Jeremey Davis during a change of command ceremony in Homestead, Florida, on Jan. 21, 2024.

Davis recently left the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade where he served as the task force commander providing air defense for the United States capital. Upon officially taking command of the 50th RSG, Davis thanked his family for their support and said he was looking forward to his new role.

“The Soldiers of the 50th possess a diverse and specialized set of skills,” Davis said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to learn about our capabilities and develop them to their fullest potential. Brig. Gen. Temple, you leave some very big shoes to fill, and I’m immensely grateful for the legacy you leave behind. You’ve set a high bar.”

Army Maj. Gen. Robert Carruthers, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, and Commander of the Florida Army National Guard, served as the presiding officer for the ceremony.

“You were selected for brigade command because of your demonstrated potential as a senior leader during your deployment to the [National Capital Region] and the successful command of the air defense of our nation’s capital – it is a testament to your ability,” Carruthers said during the ceremony. “That is a no-fail mission of strategic importance, and your execution was flawless. I have no doubt you’ll continue to improve the combat readiness of the 50th, and it will always be combat-ready when our nation calls.”

Temple assumed command in August 2021 during the RSG’s Poland deployment supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve, and he served as the 50th RSG’s commander for over two years. Carruthers congratulated Temple on his successful stint as commander.

“You completed a highly successful mission and brought everyone home safe to their families," Carruthers said. “Since then, you’ve led the brigade to a higher level… you’re leaving the brigade significantly more combat ready, and we could not ask for more. Your success and potential have already been recognized in that you were selected and promoted to brigadier general before we could even take you out of command – well done.”

In his outgoing address, Temple recalled that he enjoyed his time deployed overseas with the Florida Army National Guard, and he said it was his best memory with the 50th RSG.

“Going to Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Hungary as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve was probably one of the best deployments I’ve ever had,” Temple said. “The 50th was able to accomplish all of its tasks and set conditions for the build-up prior to, and after, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, providing surge capacity for two additional divisions. This mission was recognized recently by the Army by awarding the Army Superior Unit Award to the RSG.”

Temple’s next assignment will take him to St. Augustine where he will serve as deputy commanding general of the Florida Army National Guard.