Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler bids farewell during JBER change of command ceremony

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Surrounded by loved ones, community members, and fellow soldiers, Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler bid farewell on June 24 during a change of command ceremony on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Eifler, who took command of the 11th Airborne Division just over two years ago, passed the torch to Maj. Gen. Joseph E. Hilbert.

Eifler now moves to Washington D.C., as the deputy chief of staff, G-1.

“You can count on my continued support and advocacy from DC,” Eifler said during his remarks on Thursday to Hilbert for his time in command. “And, yes, you will need bear spray to walk to work.”

Hilbert and his wife, Beth, came to Alaska after he previously served as the U.S. Army Director of Force Development in D.C.

“Beth and I are super happy to be here in Alaska, not because we left the Pentagon, but just what a wonderful state. The reputation that this community has for supporting our soldiers and their families — it is the envy of the United States Army,” Hilbert said. “To the soldiers on the field, it is an absolute honor to join you today in the 11th Airborne Division.”

Hilbert’s previous service has taken him to places such as Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Afghanistan during Operation Freedom. He also has earned various awards such as the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.

During the change of command ceremony, the 11th Airborne Division band performed its official last performance.

Both Hilbert and Eifler took time during the command ceremony to thank the band for its rich history and years of dedication.

“We appreciate what you’ve done today and what you’ve done in representing just the professionals,” Hilbert said.

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