JOINT TASK FORCE CIVIL SUPPORT CONDUCTS CHANGE OF COMMAND AND HOSTS TECH DEMO DAY

FORT EUSTIS, Virginia - Joint Task Force Civil Support (JTF-CS) marked a significant transition in leadership today during a formal change of command ceremony at the Jacobs Conference Center on Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 10. During the ceremony, presided over by Maj. Gen. Brey Hopkins, Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Tanya S. McGonegal relinquished command to U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jonathan Ebbert. JTF-CS, a subordinate command of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), is the nation’s only standing, no-notice joint task force dedicated to planning, preparing, and executing Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) response and all-hazards Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) operations. In his remarks as the presiding officer, Hopkins commended the unit’s steadfast posture and praised both incoming and outgoing leadership for their dedication to national resilience. "The mission of Joint Task Force Civil Support is one of the most critical and complex undertakings in the Department of Defense," said Hopkins. "When catastrophe strikes, Americans look to this joint team for rapid, specialized, and decisive aid. Brig. Gen. McGonegal has led this task force with extraordinary distinction, sharpening its operational readiness and strengthening crucial civilian-military partnerships. As we pass the mantle of leadership, I know Brig. Gen. Ebbert has the operational vision, interagency expertise, and proven leadership necessary to carry this no-fail mission forward." McGonegal, who has commanded JTF-CS since February 2024, reflected on her tenure leading the command’s highly specialized, multi-component team of active-duty, reserve, National Guard, and civilian personnel. "Serving alongside the professional Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civilians of JTF-CS has been the absolute highlight of my military career," said McGonegal. "This team works day in and day out to ensure we are always ready to answer the call on our nation’s worst day. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together to modernize our capabilities and strengthen our partnerships across local, state, and federal levels. I pass the colors to Brig. Gen. Ebbert with complete confidence that this vital, no-fail homeland defense mission remains in the most capable hands." Ebbert joins JTF-CS after most recently serving as the Combatting WMD Division Chief (NGB-J39) at the National Guard Bureau. He brings extensive expertise in domestic emergency response, CBRN enterprise operations, and interagency coordination. "It is a profound honor to assume command of Joint Task Force Civil Support and build upon the exceptional foundation of readiness established by Brig. Gen. McGonegal," said Ebbert. "The mission of JTF-CS is to save lives, mitigate human suffering, and prevent further injury which is a sacred trust we hold with the American people. As threats evolve, we will remain vigilant, agile, and integrated with our civil authority partners. I look forward to working with this outstanding joint force as we continue to refine our readiness to deploy at a moment's notice." The command recently welcomed Col. Scott Welborn, as the new deputy commander. Welborn arrived at Fort Eustis following a successful tour as the Commanding Officer of the Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji, Japan. His background as an artillery officer and Marine Air-Ground Task Force planner brings valuable joint operational experience to the leadership team. "Joining JTF-CS is a great opportunity to work with this team on an incredibly important mission," said Welborn. "We are grateful for Brig. Gen. McGonegal's leadership these past two plus years and are excited to welcome Brig. Gen Ebbert as the new commander." Prior to the ceremony, JTF-CS hosted its annual Technology Demonstration Day on Fort Eustis. This interactive exhibition showcased the latest advancements in CBRN detection systems, tactical communication units, rapid decontamination systems, and disaster response gear. The event allowed industry partners, civilian emergency responders, and military leaders, including visiting senior commanders, to witness firsthand the cutting-edge capabilities and innovative tools JTF-CS utilizes to accelerate and refine rescue operations during domestic crises. The change of command is a time-honored military tradition that formally symbolizes the transfer of total authority, trust, and responsibility from one commander to the next. Hopkins received the unit colors from McGonegal and passed them to Ebbert, signifying the seamless continuity of leadership and commitment to the JTF-CS mission. For more information about Joint Task Force Civil Support, visit the official website at https://www.jtfcs.northcom.mil, or contact the JTF-CS Public Affairs Office.

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