Fort Carson Welcomes New Garrison Commander as Leadership Changes Hands

Photo courtesy of DVIDS.

Fort Carson marked a change in leadership Wednesday, Aug. 12, as Col. Phillip S. Warren assumed command of U.S. Army Garrison Fort Carson during a change of command ceremony at Founders Field. Warren succeeds Col. Erik C. Oksenvaag, who served as garrison commander since August 2024.

Brenda McCullough, director of Installation Management Command-Pacific, presided over the ceremony and praised Oksenvaag’s leadership and accomplishments during his tenure. McCullough highlighted his work integrating Fort Carson into IMCOM-Pacific and described his command as one marked by excellence.

Warren comes to Fort Carson from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he served as assistant commandant at the U.S. Army Military Police School. His previous assignments include serving as commander of the 93rd Military Police Battalion at Fort Bliss, Texas, and plans chief for the Eighth Army Provost Marshal Office at Camp Humphreys, Korea. He has also completed three operational deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

During his first remarks as garrison commander, Warren said he was honored to join the Fort Carson community and pledged to lead with purpose while prioritizing the needs of Soldiers, families and civilian employees.

Oksenvaag, who is retiring from the Army, used the ceremony to thank the Fort Carson workforce for its resilience and dedication during his time in command. He also welcomed Warren to the Mountain Post and expressed confidence in the installation’s continued success.

The change of command represents a transition in leadership for one of the region’s largest military installations and comes as Fort Carson continues to serve as a major part of the Pikes Peak region’s military community and local economy.