Louisiana National Guard Soldiers, family and friends gathered at the Aviation Support Facility in Pineville, Saturday during a Change of Command ceremony to see Lt. Col. William S. Brannan of Abita Springs assume command of the 204th Theater Airfield Operations Group.

“Lt. Col Brannan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this organization, and I am confident the 204th TAOG will continue on the road to success under his very capable leadership,” said Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau.

As the command colors passed from former commander Col. Barry D. Keeling, to new commander Brannan, it represented the passing of the privilege to lead. It also signified the privilege to command under seven values which are the foundation of the military; loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. “Col. Keeling, I want to thank you for passing on to me such a framed, prepared organization. I’m very fortunate,” said Brannan. “We have arguably, the best airspace/airfield managers in the Army, and I’m humbled by this.”

Signifying a new beginning and relationship with the 204th A bouquet of yellow roses was presented to Brannan’s fiancée, Yumi Otomo.

Dona Keeling was then presented with a bouquet of red roses for her friendship, support and dedication to the command.

Brannan has served over 26 years in the military. He has accumulated over 1,700 flight hours and is a qualified helicopter pilot on the OH-58 Kiowa, UH-1 Huey and the UH-60 Blackhawk.

In 1998, he was assigned to the, formally known 204th Air Traffic Service Group as the operations officer.

In 2003, Brannan deployed with the 204th Air Traffic Service Group under the command of Keeling as the executive officer for Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

In 2004, he was reassigned as the Deputy State Aviation Officer for the State of Louisiana where he performed as the senior coordinating officer for state aviation emergency response operations.