On October 1, 2009, Col. Laura J. Richardson will become the first commander of Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall (JBM-HH), Va. The Fort Myer Military Community and Henderson Hall began the initial operational capability as of Jan. 31 of this year. The base will have a new deputy, a Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, as early as this March.

The transition to the joint base is a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations put into law.

Customers of the two bases will barely notice the change. The gate separating them was removed almost four years ago, and the base began issuing joint vehicle registration decals in 2006.

JBM-HH will continue to be the home of the Armys 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Headquarters Battalion and Headquarters Marine Corps, and will continue the functions of administrative and quality of life services to thousands of military personnel and their families across the National Capital Region.

Realignment of these bases will result in cost savings as installation management functions are consolidated. The transition period between now and September will provide the timeframe for complete transition and consolidation of services. JBM-HH is just one of 12 joint bases that are being formed by merging 26 co-located or close-proximity bases. 

Source: Stand-To News