By Staff Sgt. Amber Robinson
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii--Maj. Gen. Roger Mathews, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Pacific, hosted a Flying V ceremony for MAJGEN Richard Maxwell Burr, USARPAC deputy commanding general for operations from the Australian Army Jan. 17 on historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter.
The Flying V ceremony traditionally welcomes or honors senior Army officials when they assume duties or depart from an Army command. Its name refers to the V shape in which the colors are posted during the ceremony.
USARPAC is the first Army Service Component Command to have coalition partner general officer to serve in the position of deputy commanding general.
Burr will serve as the Main Command Post Deputy Commanding General for contingency operations, directing the development of the annual training and exercise plans in accordance with the USARPAC commanding general's guidance.
"He is the absolute right man for the job," said Mathews. "He will be the commanding general's right hand man, digging into details and the complex issues of not only USARPAC but of our operational Army."
As the overall military focus shifts toward the Pacific, building partnerships is more important than ever.
"It is actually difficult to think of a more tangible demonstration of the U.S. Army's commitment to "Partnership in the Pacific", and it sends a very positive message to all of our partners in the region," said Burr. "Our two countries are steadfast allies, great friends and partners, working together in the region and around the world for a long time. This appointment reinforces the strength of our relationship and I am certainly privileged to be representing the Australian Army in this key role."
Burr has held a number of key staff appointments, including the Military Assistant to the Chief of Army, the Director General of Preparedness and Plans for the Army, a senior advisor in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Director General of Military Strategic Commitments in Defence Headquarters.
Some of Burr's awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, Member of the Order of Australia, Member of the Royal Victorian Order, the United States Bronze Star Medal, and he is entitled to wear the Infantry Combat badge as Special Air Service Parachute wings.