Lt. Col. Elizabeth Collins Assumed Command at Jackson Barracks
The 139th Regional Support Group held a change of command ceremony in New Orleans on September 20.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People
Lt. Col. Elizabeth Collins has officially assumed command of the 139th Regional Support Group. Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux presided over the ceremony at Jackson Barracks.
Why it matters
The change of command represents a transition in leadership for a unit that provides diverse logistical and operational support, including transportation, medical, and intelligence functions.
Since 2006, the 139th Regional Support Group has operated as a major command. The unit maintains an organizational structure encompassing seven distinct functional areas including military police and communications units.
The players
Lt. Col. Elizabeth Collins
She is the newly appointed officer tasked with leading the 139th Regional Support Group.
Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux
He is a high-ranking officer who presided over the transition ceremony and facilitated the transfer of unit colors.
Col. Richard Douget
He is the outgoing commander who received the Legion of Merit during the change of command proceedings.
The details
Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux officially passed the unit colors to Lt. Col. Elizabeth Collins during the event, marking the formal transfer of authority. The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Legion of Merit to the outgoing commander, Col. Richard Douget, and concluded with traditional military proceedings.
Timeline
September 11, 2001: The unit began two overseas deployments.
2006: The 139th Regional Support Group was recognized as a major command.
September 20, 2026: The change of command ceremony took place.
Market Landscape
The 2006 reorganization of the 139th Regional Support Group serves as the structural foundation for the command's current multi-disciplinary capabilities. The recent change of command follows the structural precedents established by that historical designation.
The transition maintains the operational continuity of a unit providing critical regional support services. Local residents and stakeholders can expect consistent engagement from the organization as it continues its mission under new leadership.
The takeaway
This leadership transition ensures the continued operational readiness of a key regional support command. The ceremony underscores the importance of maintaining command integrity within units that provide essential military intelligence and logistical functions.
Further reading
For more information on organizational leadership changes, visit the People section.
