1st Special Forces greets new commanding officer

Rick Wood/Northwest Guardian

1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) received a special birthday present in the form of a new commanding officer July 9.

The group traces its history to July 9, 1942, when the 1st Special Service Force was activated in Montana. On the anniversary, outgoing commander Col. Rand Binford handed over the reigns to Col. Fran Beaudette during a ceremony on Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lewis Main’s Watkins Field.

United States Army Special Forces Command’s newly appointed commanding general, Maj. Gen. Michael Repass, was on hand for the ceremony.

“This is truly a magnificent setting,” Repass said.

The numerous contributions of the 1st SFG are a testament to the abilities of the Soldiers and the character of their leadership, he said.

“You’ve achieved a great deal under tough circumstances,” Repass said. “The diversity and demands of these missions is extraordinary.”

Assisting Thailand’s government in the defeat of the Tamil Tigers, a rebel faction, and the ongoing mission in the Philippines are indicators of 1st SFG’s success, he said.

Repass reviewed the troops with Binford and Beaudette.

“I was and am impressed,” Repass said.

Repass thanked Binford for his dedication and leadership during his tenure as group commander.

“Well done, Rand,” Repass said. “The mission of the 1st Special Forces Group continues despite your departure.”

Repass said he was confident in Beaudette’s leadership abilities.

“You’re perfectly prepared for this assignment,” he said.

Beaudette has worked previously under Repass.

“Fran was my S-3,” Repass said. “I think I know him well as a result.”

Binford said his time with 1st SFG was rewarding and unforgettable.

“Our Soldiers are executing the (difficult) missions of our nation,” Binford said. “The Soldiers of the 1st SFG are the extension of America’s might and America’s hope for peace and stability.”

He said it was an honor to have been counted among the ranks of the 1st SFG.

Beaudette acknowledged Binford’s successes and thanked Repass for his mentorship.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to join 1st Special Forces Group,” Beaudette said. “I look forward to remaining an integral part of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord family.”

Beaudette entered the Army following an ROTC commission from the Citadel.

He served as an armored platoon leader prior to attending the Special Forces Qualifications Course.

Beaudette participated in operations Desert Shield/Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan, Enduring Freedom- Trans Sahara, Joint Guardian, Noble Obelisk and Firm Response. Most recently, he was Chief of Staff for USASFC.

Beaudette’s wife Liz, and three children, Caroline, Alex and Eric, join him at JBLM.

Binford enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard in 1979 as a paratrooper-infantryman with the 36th Infantry Brigade.

He joined Special Forces in 1988 and prior to coming to 1st SFG, Binford was director of special activities and special operations for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence.