KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Khowst Provincial Reconstruction Team welcomed a new commander at Forward Operating Base Salerno during a transfer of authority ceremony March 14.

U.S. Navy commander and Texas native, Mitchell Albin, officially took command of the Khowst PRT from U.S. Navy Cmdr. Bradley Brewer, born and raised in western Ohio.

As the new commander of the PRT, Albin inherits a team that consist of military officers, diplomats and subject matter experts working to support reconstruction efforts in unstable regions. Its common purpose is to empower local governments to oversee their citizens more effectively.

The outgoing commander extended his appreciation to members of Task Force Spartan for their support and leadership in the short time they worked together.

“I would like to thank all of Spartan Brigade for their support these past few months. Although we only worked together for a short time, I have nothing short of the highest respect for the leadership and staff,” said Brewer. He added his admiration for his team and the great professionalism they showed while in Afghanistan.

“For my departing team, I’m humbled by the professionalism and leadership displayed by the diverse collection of warriors that I have had the privilege of serving alongside for the past fifteen months,” Brewer added.

The incoming commander expressed his appreciation to those in attendance and reminded them of the continued mission Team Trident is dedicated to accomplish.

“Thank you for honoring my team with your presence at today’s ceremony,” said Albin. “This transfer of authority has less to do with me assuming command and more with the Team Trident taking charge of the PRT to continue influencing positive governance and development with our Afghan partners.”

The changing of responsibility also brought about a new found experience for the outgoing senior enlisted adviser. “It was an incredible experience working and serving with all five branches [of the U.S. military] and I’ll cherish this time with them for the rest of my career,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. James Jenkins III, outgoing Khowst PRT sergeant major, from Yazoo City, Miss.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Elliott Fillippini, the new senior enlisted advisor for the PRT, hailing from Bristol, Conn., said, “I’m looking forward to our mission and I’m glad to take over. The outgoing team left us in great hands and we have a great incoming team.”

The Khowst PRT is part of Task Force Spartan, the brigade task force responsible for the provinces of Khowst and Paktya, in Regional Command-East.

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