As the Newport Chemical Depot prepares to destroy the deadly VX nerve agent, new leadership takes charge.

The color guard began the 'Change of Command' ceremony this morning. Command of the Depot was passed from Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Marquart to Lieutenant Colonel Scott Kimmell.

The change of command comes at a critical time for the depot. After many delays the depot is set to begin testing agent destruction.

The new commander says it will be important to move forward with caution. "I think the important thing we have to remember is to continue what's been done in the past, and that is to continue the safe and secure storage of the stockpile. We're not going to go any further than that until we're sure we can do this safely."

Kimmell says he's glad to be back in the midwest. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University and since then has lived on both coasts.