A rousing Big Apple welcome to Fort Hamilton’s new garrison commander, Col. Raul M. Medrano. He took charge of his new command during colorful ceremonies in the upstairs ballroom of the base’s Community Club.
Steeped in long-standing military tradition, the post command flag was passed from outgoing Garrison Commander Melissa Cantwell to Col. Medrano. This auspicious event was hosted by three-star Lt. Gen. Steven W. Gilland, the superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and also the senior garrison officer of Fort Hamilton.
Photo courtesy of Assemblyman Brook-Krasny’s office
The program started with the West Point Band playing the national anthem, followed by Garrison Chaplain Capt. Patrick Lime delivering the invocation. Next came the formal change of command ceremony.
The proceedings continued with remarks by Gen. Gilland, outgoing Commander Cantwell and incoming Commander Medrano. The event concluded with a hearty group singing “The Army Goes Rolling Along.”
Lawmakers in attendance included U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, State Sen. Michael Chan, and Assemblymen Alec Brook-Krasny and Lester Chang.
Col. Medrano received his commission as an Army officer via the University of Texas at Austin ROTC. He began his career with the 27th Field Artillery Regiment in Germany. He most recently served as the deputy commander-sustainment for the Combined Special Operations Joint Task Force-Central.
He was previously an executive officer for the Special Operations Forces Division, Army Forces Battalion commander at Joint Task Force-Bravo in Honduras. He was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Trans Sahel, and Epic Fury. His military qualifications include Jumpmaster and SERE schools. Among his awards are the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Badge and Parachutist Badge.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Rep. Malliotakis’ staff
Historical note: In1831, Capt. Levi Whiting became the first commanding officer of Fort Hamilton and was the officer in charge of the 4th Artillery, Battery F.
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Coming up on Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. is the 2026 Autumn Festival and Fall Fair, sponsored by the Norwegian Christian Home and Health Center at 1250 67th St. For more information, contact Arlene Rutuelo at 718-614-4724.
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On Friday, Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the U.S. Army Center of Military History is holding a “Discover the Battle of Long Island” (a/k/a Battle of Brooklyn) event in front of the Army Community Service Building #14, on White Avenue inside Fort Hamilton. This event features an opportunity to see and touch a replica Revolutionary War musket and soldier’s kit. There will also be an on-site discussion about the historic battle.
