Col. Brewer assumes command of Fort Buchanan, emphasizes readiness and community partnership
FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico — Service members, civilians and families gathered at the installation's community club Oct. 27 to witness Col. David L. Brewer assume command of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Buchanan, marking a leadership transition focused on sustaining military readiness and strengthening the installation's strategic role in the Caribbean.
Patrick J. Appelman, director of Installation Management Command–Western Hemisphere, presided over the ceremony. Maj. Gen. Karen Monday-Gresham, commanding general of the 81st Readiness Division, and Brig. Gen. Christopher B. Creaghe, commanding general of the 1st Mission Support Command, were also in attendance.
During the ceremony, Brewer emphasized the importance of adapting to emerging operational requirements and preparing the installation to support future military missions.
“Looking ahead, Fort Buchanan’s role in preparing for future conflicts will continue to evolve in a dynamic security environment. We must do more than react to changes on the horizon — we must anticipate them,” Brewer said.
Appelman highlighted the importance of installation management and civilian employees in supporting the military mission.
“Fort Buchanan holds a unique and important place in our Army, an installation supporting our Reserve Component forces in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean. It plays a critical role in sustaining readiness and supporting the soldiers, civilians, and families of our nation. But the strength of Fort Buchanan isn't found in its facilities or its location; it's found in its people, and the relationships they build with the communities around them,” said Appelman.
Brewer recognized the installation's workforce and acknowledged Garrison Manager Ulises Marrero, Deputy Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Eric Littlejohn and Command Sgt. Maj. Sikes for their contributions to maintaining mission readiness.
He also outlined his leadership philosophy and commitment to the organization.
“My personal commitment to every member of this team is simple — I will listen closely, aggressively gather information, commit to making sound decisions, and work tirelessly alongside you,” Brewer said.
Reflecting on Fort Buchanan's history, including its support of the legendary 65th Infantry Regiment, Brewer underscored the installation's enduring connection to Puerto Rico and its people.
“We do not merely serve from Puerto Rico. We serve with Puerto Rico,” Brewer said.
Brewer previously served as director of installation management and regional engineer for the 81st Readiness Division at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. His military career includes battalion and company command assignments, including service in Iraq, and joint staff assignments with the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.
With an annual budget exceeding $500 million, Fort Buchanan supports about 15,000 active-duty personnel, Soldiers of the Army Reserve and Puerto Rico National Guard, Marine Corps Reserve members and Navy Reserve personnel, providing infrastructure and services that enable forces to train, mobilize and deploy worldwide.
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