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New commander takes over U.S. Army South

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas — Maj. Gen. Simeon G. Trombitas took command of U.S. Army South during a ceremony here Monday.

Trombitas assumed command from Maj. Gen. Keith M. Huber, who immediately after the change-of-command ceremony was promoted to lieutenant general. Huber will go on to be deputy commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.

Trombitas, a 1978 West Point graduate, began his career in the 2nd Armored Division and served three tours with 7th Special Forces Group. He served in U.S. Southern Command and Special Operations Command in Panama and commanded the U.S. Military Group in Colombia. His general officer assignments include commanding general of Special Operations Command, Korea, and he served on the Iraq National Counter-Terrorism Force Transition Team. His most recent assignment was as the special assistant to the commanding general of Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Trombitas is “well schooled and very knowledgeable of the region,” said Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, commanding general of U.S. Southern Command.

“We enthusiastically welcome you back to U.S. Army South,” Fraser said. “You inherited the might of the hard-charging, eager and professional soldiers of Army South.”

Fraser also praised Huber for his leadership and service to Army South, citing the success of the recently concluded Panamax 2009 exercise, which brought together troops from 20 countries for a joint, live exercise to defend the Panama Canal. Fraser also commended Huber for leading the July 2008 effort to reintegrate the three Americans who were freed after being held hostage by FARC for more than five years in the jungles of Colombia.

“During the time they were held captive you and Army South tracked their movements and … you provided the care they needed to quickly and safely reclaim their freedom,” Fraser said to Huber.

Even as he prepared to leave Army South, Huber called on the soldiers in the audience to continue to work toward the success of the command’s mission.

“The privilege to command, the responsibility for men and women in uniform and their families is a privilege,” he said. “We are here to serve our soldiers and our families that support us. As painful as it was to change command, I have no doubt I leave it in very capable and caring hands.”