EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A key organization at Fort Bliss has a new commanding general.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Henry S. Dixon assumed command of JTF-N on Monday, Dec. 9 from outgoing commanding general Maj. Gen. Matthew D. Smith.
Joint Task Force North provides support to the nation’s local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and counter-drug task forces, according to the organization’s website. Since its inception in 1989, it has supported more than 6,000 missions, according to its website.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Henry S. Dixon accepts command of Joint Task Force North. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas J. De La Pena
Dixon most recently served as deputy commanding general for U.S. Army Central.
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Thomas M. Carden Jr., deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and vice commander of U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), officiated the ceremony at the JTF-N headquarters at Fort Bliss.
Among the notable attendees were retired Maj. Gen. Randall V. Simmons Jr., former commander of JTF-N, and retired Brig. Gen. Richard Behrenhausen, the first commander of Joint Task Force Six (which would become JTF-N in 2004).
“It is a blessing to be able to serve in the armed forces, in law enforcement, or in civil service of this nation, serving the nation and its people to protect and provide for their common good,” Dixon said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to do that.”
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew D. Smith delivers farewell comments to Joint Task Force North personnel during a change of command ceremony held at Fort Bliss on Monday, Dec. 9. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas J. De La Pena.
Smith took command of JTF-N on Dec. 14, 2022, after a stint as the vice director of operations at the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Virginia. This assignment marks his last stop in the Army as he heads into retirement, concluding a 31-year career.
JTF-N currently has about 180 people working there, including all branches of the U.S. military, Department of Defense civilians and contractors.
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