FORT HOOD, Texas – U.S. Army Garrison – Fort Hood will welcome a new commander during a change of command ceremony scheduled for 9 a.m. July 11 on Sadowski Field, in front of the III Armored Corps Headquarters.

Col. Lakicia R. Stokes will relinquish command to Col. Mark McClellan during the ceremony, which will be officiated by Patrick J. Appleman, director of U.S. Army Installation Management Command – Readiness.

Stokes took command of then U.S. Army Garrison – Fort Cavazos in July 2023. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in the post earning the Commander-in-Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence, in addition to being named the Best Garrison by U.S. Army Installation Management Command, celebrating the garrison’s outstanding mission support, environmental stewardship and quality-of-life initiatives.

She also spearheaded the construction of 217 new homes for junior enlisted service members in Heritage Heights, the renovation of two motor pools, and the advent of the Cavazos Connector – the installation’s mass transit system, among various other accomplishments in her role as the garrison commander.

Stokes’ next assignment is at the U.S. Army Operational Test Command.

McClellan previously served as the USAG-Fort Benning Director of the Department of Tactics, Training and Doctrine. He brings a wealth of experience in operational leadership and readiness and is expected to focus on maintaining mission support operations and enhancing quality of life for the Fort Hood community.

As garrison commander, McClellan will oversee daily installation operations, facilities management, and essential services supporting Soldiers, families and civilians at Fort Hood.

Media interested in covering the ceremony must RSVP to Fort Hood Media Relations at 254-449-5298 by 3 p.m. July 10.

Media representatives should arrive by 8 a.m. July 11 at the south-side parking lot of the Marvin Leath Visitors Center to be escorted to the event site by a public affairs representative.