Yakima Training Center celebrates outgoing commander, welcomes new leader

YAKIMA, Wash. — A change of command took place Wednesday at the Yakima Training Center as Lieutenant Colonel Tim Horn handed over responsibilities to Lieutenant Colonel Terry Gambrel.

Lieutenant Colonel Tim Horn took command of the training center in the summer of 2022, facing unique challenges.

Horn navigated environmental issues, with the Army taking responsibility for the cleanup of forever chemicals known as PFAS. Under his command, progress was made on a new program to install water treatment systems in neighboring wells.

“Tim was focused on helping the Army do the right thing by focusing on the health and safety of our soldiers and our surrounding residents,” said Col. Kent Park, Joint Base Commander.

The training center spans 327,000 acres, equivalent to half the size of Rhode Island. Those acres of brush and hills keep the training center’s fire department busy during fire season.

“They’re out there fighting fires that are on-post or off-post with our mutual aid partners more often than not these days,” Horn said.

After two years, Horn is saying goodbye, transferring to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to become an executive officer at the Combined Operations Center.

“It has been an honor,” Horn said.

Horn passes command to Lieutenant Colonel Terry Gambrel, who previously served as a Special Operations Joint Task Force planner at U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida.

“This assignment is like no other that I’ve experienced in my career," Gambrel said. "I will make it my goal to provide sound leadership and ensure you always have clear guidance and intent."

Horn offered some advice to his successor: “I know you have a great team to rely on here as you take command. You will fall in love with the area and fall in love with the people.”

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