By Eric Franklin
Fort Hood Public Affairs
FORT HOOD, Texas — The U.S. Army’s only active-duty chemical brigade welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony held July 2 at Cameron Field.
Col. Jacy Park took command of the 48th Chemical Brigade from Col. Johannie San Miguel in front of Soldiers, families and senior leaders from across the installation. Brig. Gen. W. Bochat, commanding general of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Command, presided over the ceremony and passed the brigade’s colors to Park, symbolizing the formal transfer of authority.
“This isn’t just a change of command — it’s a continuation of the mission,” Bochat said. “Colonel San Miguel raised the bar. Colonel Park is ready to build on that foundation and take the brigade even further.”
Park brings more than 25 years of Army service. She enlisted in 1997 and commissioned in 2001 through the University of Washington, located in Seattle. Her assignments include leadership and staff roles in Republic of Korea; Afghanistan; Fort Polk, Louisiana; Fort Bliss, Texas; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Most recently, she served as the chief of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Joint Interagency Coordination Group for U.S. Forces Korea, Republic of Korea.
“Spartans, you look incredible,” Park said during her first address to the formation. “We may have a new command team, but our priorities don’t change. We’re ready to fight, and we’re ready now.”
San Miguel, who has led the brigade since May 2023, was awarded the Legion of Merit for her leadership. Under her command, the brigade executed multinational exercises, deployed to multiple combatant commands and expanded readiness initiatives across nine locations.
“To stand in this role was one of the greatest honors of my career,” San Miguel said. “From day one, we led from the front. We upheld the standard, and we built something that will last.”
San Miguel also recognized her husband, Rene San Miguel, for his unwavering support. He was awarded the Public Service Commendation Medal and inducted into the Honorable Order of Lacone for his contributions to the unit’s Soldier and family readiness group.
The 48th Chemical Brigade, part of the 20th CBRNE Command, commands four battalions and several specialized companies across the continental United States. Its mission is to detect, identify and respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats in support of joint, interagency and allied operations.
