OKLAHOMA CITY – The 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard, held a change of command ceremony at Camp Gruber Training Center near Braggs, Oklahoma, June 11, 2024, marking the end of Col. Andrew Ballenger's tenure and welcoming Col. Khalid Hussein as the new commander.



“I've had the honor and privilege of serving in combat with these two great officers multiple times,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “It is absolutely an honor and a privilege for me to be here today.”

Ballenger, a native of Pryor, Oklahoma, has led the 45th IBCT since August 2022. Under his command, the brigade has seen numerous deployments and training exercises, including the 2023 deployment of Task Force Tomahawk, a task force made up of multiple units of the 45th deployed to support the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. That deployment was the single largest deployment of 45th IBCT Soldiers since the brigade’s Afghanistan deployment in 2011.

“Thank you for having the faith in God and country to raise your hand, to serve and to giving your all,” Ballenger said. “Be all you can be. Strive for excellence in everything you do.”



Ballenger has held various command and staff positions at multiple levels, including significant roles within the National Guard Bureau and United States Army Europe - Africa. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his dedication to the 45th IBCT.

The ceremony included a formal passing of the brigade colors, a tradition that represents the passing of the command and responsibility of the unit to the new commander.

Hussein brings extensive experience to his new role, having served in numerous command and staff positions, including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and support operations during Hurricane Katrina. He holds a Juris Doctor from Oklahoma City University School of Law and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

“I stand here honored to assume this command and completely humbled,” Hussein said. “I thank you for your trust and confidence and for the opportunity to lead this great organization.”