Local US Army Reserve Center farewells old commander while welcoming new one

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 411th Engineer Battalion Forward Support Company of the American Samoa US Army Reserve in Tafuna yesterday held a Change of Command Ceremony to farewell outgoing commander CPT Joshua Flatley and welcome incoming commander 1LT John Hiduchick-Nakayama.

The ceremony was attended by senior officers, Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata,  families and friends of the Reservists and began with a short services conducted by Rev. Iasepi Ulu of the CCCAS Fagatogo parish.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata with outgoing FSC commander CPT Joshua Flatley (right) and incoming commander 1LT John Hiduchick-Nakayama after the Change of Command ceremony yesterday held at the American Samoa US Army Reserve Center in Tafuna. [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

The Change of Command ceremony is a time-honored Army tradition. It provides the incoming commander the opportunity to assess the readiness and discipline of the unit at their first formation.

Also, it serves as a definite point in time, with the passing of the unit guidon, at which the responsibility of command passes from the old commander to the new commander.

CPT Joshua A. Flatley, the outgoing commander is a Corps of Engineer Officer in the United States Army Reserve. He earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in May 2018.

CPT Flatley graduated from the University of Maryland system with a Master’s of Business Administration in 2019 and a Master’s of Environmental Management in 2017.

He previously earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland. He holds several professional certifications and certificates.

The incoming commander 1LT John Hiduchick-Nakayama is an Ordinance Corps Officer in the United States Army Reserve.

1LT Hiduchick-Nakayama earned his commission through Direct Commission and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s of Science Degree in Homeland Security from Endicott College.

Additionally, he has a Master’s of Divinity from Regent University and a Doctorate in Business.

During yesterday’s ceremony, CPT Joshua Flatley was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious service as a commander, Forward Support Company (FSC).

Captain Flatley’s superior leadership resulted in enhanced soldier and unit readiness. He fostered key operational and strategic relationships establishing their Forward Support Company as an enduring partner with the American Samoa Community.

CPT Flatley’s achievements, dedication and exemplary performance are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Forward Support Company, the 411th Engineer Battalion, the 303rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, the 9th Mission Support Command and the United States Army.

The commendation was signed by Brigadier General Mark W. Siekman.

In an interview with outgoing commander CPT Flatley, he stated that he was very humbled by the ceremony and that the incoming commander is charged with a very important mission “which I’m sure he will be able to execute very well.”

Yesterday’s ceremony concludes a one-year appointment as commander of the FSC.

Asked about his experience of life in American Samoa, he answered, “Second to none! I’ve really really enjoyed every minute that I’ve been here, getting to know the soldiers and how they made me feel as if I was part of their families.”

The Maryland native has served in the US Army Reserve for about 15 years and American Samoa is his second command, having previously served as commander in Guam.

He stated that the two Pacific islands both have their challenges and advantages, but he has found that their community in American Samoa is more tightly knit where family and extended family ties are very strong and the Samoan culture plays a big part in strengthening the familial and community bonds.

The father of two said that while he is sad this chapter of his life has come to an end, he was excited to go home and spend some quality time with his wife Rachel and their two sons Patrick and Bryce.

However, he declared that he was certainly coming back for a visit in the near future to check on the may friends he has made during his short stay in American Samoa.