Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., today praised the leadership and accomplishments of outgoing Chief of the National Guard Bureau Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson during a relinquishment of responsibility ceremony on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia.
"Gen. Hokanson's tenure as the chief of the National Guard Bureau has been marked by exceptional leadership and transformative accomplishments," Brown said. "His visionary leadership has ensured that the National Guard remains a vital and respected component of our national defense today and well into the future."
After explaining that Hokanson's efforts since 2020 have led to over 50 legislative initiatives focused on his four principal priorities of people, readiness, modernization and reform, Brown then pointed out several of the National Guard's accomplishments under Hokanson's leadership as the organization's 29th chief.
Brown listed such accomplishments as responding to historic wildfires and hurricanes in 2020, as well as flooding, typhoons and tornados in 2022. He was also involved in administering almost 60 million vaccine doses, conducting 35 million tests, disinfecting 71,000 facilities and supporting over 1,000 food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic; and delivering over 1 million meals to the American public.
Brown also spoke about how Hokanson oversaw multiple National Guard overseas mobilizations, including efforts to evacuate Afghan civilians in 2021 during what would become the largest non-combatant evacuation operation in U.S. history.
"Gen. Hokanson epitomizes the spirit of a citizen soldier, as one who felt his duty to defend our country and uphold the freedoms we enjoy today," Brown said, just before addressing Hokanson directly.
"Your strategic vision, steadfast leadership and tireless advocacy have left an indelible mark on the National Guard and our national security," Brown told the outgoing chief.
During his farewell remarks, Hokanson also commented on the Guard's numerous accomplishments over the past four years.
"To be clear, these are not my accomplishments," he said. "These are the accomplishments of our 440,000 soldiers and airmen. They are the accomplishments of citizen warriors … the accomplishments [that] were earned through their service, their sacrifices and those of their families."
Hokanson, whose career ends after 38 years of service — at first in the Army and then the National Guard — rounded out his remarks with praise for the organization he has spent decades serving.
"We are innovative and adaptable; we are prepared and professional; we are informed and experienced," he said.
"We are well-trained, well-positioned and well-led; and we will keep our promise to America because we are the National Guard: 'Always ready, always there.' … It has been the honor of my life to serve beside you and serve our nation."
Today's relinquishment of responsibility ceremony followed Hokanson's formal retirement ceremony which also took place yesterday at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.