KINGSTON, R.I. – June 9, 2011 – University of Rhode Island alumnus Major General Kevin McBride, the commander of the United States Army North’s Contingency Command Post 1, has been named Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard.

Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee announced the selection of McBride today. McBride will replace the outgoing Major General Robert T. Bray, who has resigned effective June 30. With the appointment, McBride assumes three distinct roles: the Adjutant General of the State of Rhode Island, the Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard, and the Director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.

In 2005, McBride deployed to Iraq as the Commanding General of the RI National Guard’s 43rd Military Police Brigade, where he was responsible for all theater-level detention facilities. He led Rhode Island’s 43rd Military Police Brigade during their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07, where the Brigade was charged with the command and control of more than 6000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who were responsible for detainee operations throughout the Iraqi Theater of Operation. Most notably, the Brigade oversaw the closure of Abu Graib during this period.

“Major General McBride has demonstrated leadership throughout his accomplished career with the Army National Guard,” Gov. Chafee said. “A native Rhode Islander, he has performed with distinction in both military and civilian roles. He has a deep understanding of the workings of the Army National Guard, of emergency management, and of the State of Rhode Island, as well. He has my complete confidence and I know that he will continue to make Rhode Island proud with his service.”

McBride graduated from URI in 1980 with a degree in civil and environmental engineering, and he received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). He also earned a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in 2000. In his decorated military career, McBride has earned the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters) and many more honors.

Bray offered his full support for Gov. Chafee’s decision.

“Major General Kevin McBride is a tried and true leader with significant strategic experience at the state and national levels, including a combat tour to Iraq,” Bray said. “He is a natural selection for this key cabinet post and I am certain he will continue to move this great organization forward as we continue to answer both our nation’s and our state’s call to service in these most trying times. I pledge my full support during the transition period and can insure the members of the Rhode Island National Guard and the RI Emergency Management Agency that the transfer of authority will be seamless.”

McBride is currently commander of United States Army North’s Contingency Command Post 1, which is a Homeland Defense/Homeland Security headquarters designed to deploy on short notice to coordinate activities of military response forces for natural or man-made disasters. The contingency command post is designed as an all hazards command and control unit. It has the capability to go anywhere needed to ensure Department of Defense personnel responding to support local, state and federal officials during a disaster have centralized command and control.

Prior to his current assignment, McBride served as the U.S. Army Materiel Command’s Assistant Deputy Commanding General, Army National Guard. He was the senior Army National Guard officer in AMC and principal advisor to the AMC commanding general on all matters impacting the ARNG. He was also the liaison to the Chief, National Guard Bureau for all AMC National Guard issues. He coordinated support for mobilizing and demobilizing ARNG units to ensure equipment and logistical requirements were achieved.

He has served in a variety of command and staff positions during his career, including commanding an Attack Helicopter Battalion, a Light Utility Helicopter Battalion and the 56th Troop Command (Airborne). He also served as the commanding general for the 43rd Military Police Brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2005-2006.