FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The 101^st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell welcomed its 49^th commander Thursday at a change of command ceremony. The 101^st said farewell to Major General JP McGee as he relinquished command to Major General Brett Sylvia.

More than 14,000 Screaming Eagle soldiers and hundreds of guests were in attendance at the Division Parade Field on post. The event was timed perfectly and ended just before thunderstorms rolled across Fort Campbell and the surrounding area.

General McGee served three times at Fort Campbell with the 101st, as a battalion commander, a brigade commander and as Division commander. McGee spoke to the soldiers and guests and became emotional as he said goodbye to Fort Campbell.

“It is a tremendous honor to have served here, it is a tremendous honor to have served as commanding general. I can’t tell you how sad I am to depart knowing this is my last formation with the Screaming Eagles, but also how incredibly proud I am to have been associated with a great group of Americans. Screaming Eagles, Air Assault,” McGee said.

General Sylvia returns to Fort Campbell after having served as former Chief of Staff of the 101^st, and Commander of Task Force STRIKE and 2^nd Brigade Combat Team. Sylvia said this about his return to Fort Campbell.

“It is a dream come true. I think that we all work our careers to one day have a job of significance, and I have to say I can’t think of nothing that is more significant than being the commanding general of the 101^st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the senior commander here at Fort Campbell,” Sylvia said.

Sylvia added that the 101^st is a wonderful organization, a wonderful unit, the community is phenomenal and he was proud to be back.