Army’s 25th Infantry Division holds change of command ceremony
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The 25th Infantry Division and the U.S. Army Hawaii welcomed a new commanding general during a change of command ceremony Thursday at Schofield Barracks.
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Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees relinquished command of the historic “Tropic Lightning” division to Maj. Gen. Jeffrey VanAntwerp before guests, family members and soldiers.
VanAntwerp had previously served as both an infantry platoon leader in Hawaii and as the division’s deputy commander for operations.
“In one form or another, this is the only tactical division I’ve ever served in, and really the most formative times of my life, both professionally and personally, happened in this division,” VanAntwerp said.
Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, commanding general of I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, was reviewing officer for the ceremony and presided over the passing of the unit colors.
“But what’s truly remarkable about [VanAntwerp] is his connection to this division … From second lieutenant to major general, the 25th Infantry Division is the only division he’s ever served in,” McFarlane said. “He knows its terrain, he knows its people, [and] he knows its culture. … I have absolute confidence that [he is] the right leader to guide this division as we continue to write history in the Pacific.”
The ceremony featured a battalion mass formation, the 25th Infantry Division Band, the Hui Haa Demonstration team and a salute battery honoring the incoming and outgoing commanders.
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Outgoing Maj. Gen. Bartholomees welcomed VanAntwerp back to the division.
“Jeff, welcome back to the only division in the Army you know,” Bartholomees said. “It is awesome, and I could not think of anyone better to come in. You bring years of operational experience across the Pacific, a vision for how to fight this division, and an enduring commitment to the future of Hawaii.”
Bartholomees will now serve as superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, and reflected on his time commanding the Tropic Lightning Division.
“Serving as your commanding general has been the privilege of a lifetime. You’ve inspired me through your tenacity, your winning attitude, and your ingenuity,” he said.
The 25th Infantry Division, established in Hawaii in 1941, remains a vital force-projection element in the Pacific region, prepared to conduct decisive combat operations and security cooperation missions alongside regional allies and partners.
“We stand here today in Hawaii, but the soul of this division was forged in the dense jungles and rugged mountains of the Western Pacific,” McFarlane said.
“We have a very singular purpose. We have a very clear mission in a very confusing and ambiguous world. Our mission is unambiguous, and we’re going to get after it,” VanAntwerp said during the ceremony.
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