Soldiers of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team held a change of command ceremony to symbolize the relinquishment of command from Col. Michael Dykes, previous commander of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, to Col. Christopher Cooksey, current commander of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, April 12, 2025. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Jarvis Mace)
The Mississippi National Guard’s largest unit, the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, headquartered in Tupelo, welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony on the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center Parade Field, Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Maj. Gen. Bobby M. Ginn Jr., the adjutant general of Mississippi, hosted the time-honored ceremony symbolizing the transition of command from one commander to another. The outgoing commander, Col. Michael G. Dykes of Ocean Springs, relinquished command of the brigade to the incoming commander, Col. Christopher W. Cooksey of Bogue Chitto, during a ceremony that included traditional Army change of command elements as well as some unique to the 155th.
The ceremony included the traditional passing of the colors, formations, and speeches, but also showcased static displays of military vehicles, battalions marching onto the parade field through smoke, the playing of bagpipes, and a demonstration by soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 98th Cavalry Regiment fast-roping onto the parade field from Black Hawk helicopters.
“They’re the best soldiers in the Mississippi National Guard, and in my opinion, the United States,” said Cooksey, the incoming 155th ABCT commander. “So, given this opportunity to lead them is just phenomenal and I’m just overjoyed and overwhelmed.”
Dykes, the outgoing 155th ABCT commander, considers the brigade to be more than just another military unit. “I’ve commanded them for three years, but I’ve been in and out of the unit for 27 years, so it’s family,” he said.
The 155th has a long and distinguished history. The most recent addition is a 2023 deployment where the brigade provided two task forces to support Operation Spartan Shield and a Brigade
Headquarters to support the Joint Multi-National Training Group-Ukraine (JTMG-U). The first task force deployed to Kuwait from May 2023 through March 2024 and the second deployed from January 2024 through November 2024. During these rotations, both task forces were headquartered at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, but had forces forward deployed in various countries within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, including Syria, as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. The Brigade Headquarters deployed to Germany in support of JTMG-U from December 2023 through October 2024.
“It is extremely important to the Mississippi National Guard and for Mississippi to have an Armored Brigade Combat Team,” said Ginn. “The legacy and history of all the great leaders who have come through this formation, it’s unbelievable.”
Throughout its history, the 155th ABCT has demonstrated adaptability and commitment, evolving through various organizational changes, and actively participating in significant military operations both home and abroad.
Thank you for your continued support of the men and women serving in the Mississippi National Guard and the families that support them.