When Col. Dani Williams was commissioned into the Army in 1999, she hadn’t planned on making a career of it, she said.

“It was the support of my husband and my dad that encouraged me to stay past the initial four to five years,” Williams said. “Then one great opportunity after another came up. I would hate to turn down anything as long as I feel excited about it, and I feel excited about this.”

On Thursday, in a brief change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Williams assumed command of the 100th Missile Defense Brigade. The first woman to lead the brigade since its 2003 inception, she relieves Col. Joseph Paladino, who will be transferring to Washington, D.C.

Among other accomplishments while commanding the missile defense brigade, Paladino is credited with guiding the 100th MDB through its October transfer from U.S. Strategic Command to U.S. Northern Command, a move that was more challenging than it might have appeared, Army officials said.

“(The transition) only appeared seamless because of (Paladino’s) and his team’s tireless work,” said Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, who heads the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command.

“Joe’s leadership ensured no gap in mission as the transition occurred.”

Gainey, who presided over Thursday’s ceremony, said Williams’ service record suggests that she is an ideal choice to take over for Paladino.

“It’s always bittersweet saying goodbye to a valued member of our team, but the good news is that he’s leaving the 100th in the hands of Col. Dani Williams,” Gainey said. “Dani is a seasoned air defense artillery officer, and a proven combat leader with 24 years of commissioned service.”

A graduate of University of Alabama (and lifelong Crimson Tide fan), Williams is an experienced combat soldier who has deployed in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and has held command positions at the battalion and battery levels. She has earned numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star.

In 2012, Williams transitioned from active duty to the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

After thanking the command for welcoming her, Williams said she understands the importance of her latest assignment. As the nation’s only missile defense brigade, the soldiers in the 100th are charged with monitoring the globe for intercontinental ballistic missiles targeting the U.S., and shooting them down.

“We have to accomplish our mission every day, or else the United States is not protected,” she said. “I just want to be the best commander for the brigade right now.”

Williams, who shares five children with her husband, Joey, said she hopes to serve as a role model to women, especially her daughters.

“Just being a brigade commander is the coolest thing ever. But being a female allows me to show other females that they can do it too,” she said. “Regardless of your gender, or your race, it doesn’t matter. If you have the desire, the will, the potential, you can be whatever you want to be.”

And the end of her inaugural address as the 100th Missile Brigade commander, Williams recited the brigade’s motto, “Guard and Destroy.”

Then she smiled and added, “Roll Tide.”