Brig. Gen. Charles Lee Knowles relinquished command of the Alaska National Guard to Col. James Palembas during a change of command ceremony April 9. Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, presided over the ceremony.

“It was an amazing run you had,” Saxe told Knowles. “You have been a formidable commander. It’s been a difficult timeline on many levels, but you will be missed.

Palembas, the Army’s new deputy adjutant general, enlisted in the Alaska National Guard in 1990 and graduated from Officer Candidate School in 1994, receiving his commission as a second lieutenant in the ammunition corps. He has held many positions including detachment, company and battalion commander positions in several units. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics.

Coming from his most recent assignment as Chief of Staff of the Alaska National Guard, he was chosen to lead and take on the increased responsibility of being the Supreme Chief of the Alaska Guard.

As ATAG and Commander, Palembas is responsible for developing and implementing strategy, policy, plans, and initiatives for the Alaska National Guard. He will ensure that more than 1,630 army guards in the army staff of the joint forces headquarters and the two brigades, the 297th regional support group and the 38th troop command, are organized , trained and equipped to support state and federal missions.

“Soldiers, I look forward to serving you as your commander,” Palembas said. “We will continue to build a ready force; ready for soldiers and ready for families.

“Brick. General Knowles and I feel much the same,” he continued. “I will carry this torch for many initiatives he has started. me.

Knowles served much of his time in the Alaska National Guard alongside Palembas. Born and raised in Alaska, Knowles joined in 1987 and received his commission as an infantry officer in 1995. He served many years with the 297th Infantry Battalion and later served as Chief of Staff of the AKARNG, Commander of the Army of Alaska. National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion and commander of the 297th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade.

Knowles retired on April 10 after 35 years of military service with the organization.

During his tenure as AKARNG commander, Knowles responded to federal and state missions such as a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, the busiest fire season in Alaska in 20 years, a pandemic world and frequent deployments of units abroad.

“I leave command knowing that our people and our organization are in good hands,” Knowles said. “Thank you all for putting our people first and working to meet their needs. »