Trailblazing Fort Hamilton Army Base chief, Col. Tracey E. Nicholson was bid a fond farewell when the community feted her with a reception at the Bay Ridge Manor.
The New Jersey native, who became the first woman to command the 182-year-old Bay Ridge base in 2005, is heading to Baghdad to serve as Secretary of the Combined and Joint Staff under the US’s top commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus.
Nicholson, 47, a decorated colonel and recipient of the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, was joined by her husband, Ret. Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Nicholson, during the pomp-filled program, held at the catering facility, 476 76th Street.
Nicholson will be succeeded by Col. Stephen V. Smith, who was stationed in Germany as deputy commander of the 37th Transportation Command, at the formal Change of Command ceremony on June 10.
