SC Guard unit gets new commander in Charleston

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The headquarters unit of the South Carolina Army National Guard’s 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade is getting a new commander during a ceremony in Charleston.

Guard spokeswoman Staff Sgt. Kimberly Calkins says Capt. Robert Redmond from Charleston will make way for incoming commander, 1st Lt. Jeffrey Blankenship of Sheldon.

Sunday’s ceremony includes a formal passing of the unit colors, in which military insignia are handed from the outgoing to the incoming commander. That signifies a change in responsibility for the unit’s welfare, training and deployment.

Calkins says the 11 a.m. ceremony was being held at the Charleston Readiness Center.