By Iain Jaramillo, NMNG Public Affairs
RIO RANCHO, N.M. — Lt. Col. Tony Lopez relinquished command of the 64th Civil Support Team (WMD) to Maj. Randall Bates during a June 4 ceremony at the CST Ready Building here.
Col. Pia Romero, the commander of the 111th Sustainment Brigade, presided over the ceremony.
“When you look at the accomplishments of the CST over the past 35 months, it’s apparent that Col. Lopez and the servicemen and women of this team have contributed vastly to many of its successes,” Romero said. “Under Col. Lopez’s leadership, the CST has been recognized numerous times for its tremendous contributions to our communities, the state of New Mexico and our nation.”
Speaking to the team, Romero said, “This unit will be getting a great and dedicated leader in Maj. Randall Bates. Maj. Bates brings a significant depth of experience. I have no doubt that he will bring great ideas and enthusiasm to you all.”
Lopez assumed command of the unit in 2018.
“I’m overcome with emotion,” Lopez said during his final remarks as the unit’s commander. “You all carried me through. I could never match your capacity or expertise, I could never compare to the skill sets that you all have. This has been the best assignment of my entire career because of Soldiers like yourselves. Thank you so much.”
Turning to Maj. Bates, Lopez said “This unit will be called to respond to the worst situation possible. When that happens, you will be the only ones equipped to handle it. Make sure you’re all ready and keep your people trained. Make sure they get the training they need, but make sure they get to spend time with their families as well.”
Bates previously served as the director of personnel support and as the Recruiting and Retention Battalion executive officer.
“As a brand new lieutenant, my career goal was to be a field artillery battalion commander,” Bates said. “Although I’ll never achieve this, I assumed command of a far more important and relevant unit. I assure you that this team will accomplish any mission assigned.”
Bates has been serving as the executive officer of the unit in order to prepare for his command. During that time, 64th received the highest possible rating during a Training Proficiency Evaluation provided by U.S. Army North.