251st and 51st ROC complete their final mission

Photo By 1st Lt. Tracci Dorgan | The 251st and 51st Rear Operations Centers (ROC), South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG), cased their unit colors during a ceremony held at the Platt Springs Road Armory, Columbia, S.C., May 5, 2013. As part of Department of the Army force realignment, the 251st and 51st ROC commands have been deactivated and Soldiers are transferring to other units. The casing of the organization’s colors signifies “end of mission.” (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tracci Dorgan/ Released)  

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES

05.05.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Tracci Dorgan 

South Carolina National Guard

251st and 51st ROC complete their final mission
Story and Photos by Staff Sgt. Tracci Dorgan

COLUMBIA, S.C - The 251st Rear Operations Center (ROC) and the 51st ROC, 59th Troop Command, South Carolina Army National Guard, cased their unit colors during a ceremony May 5, 2013. This event symbolized the end of their mission as the units are deactivated during Department on the Army realignment.

The ROC is a unit with a long, decorated history in South Carolina military. Initially being part of the 118th Infantry (the old “Palmetto Regiment”), it began with a volunteer militia in 1807, the unit contributed to the Washington Light Infantry of Charleston, the Sumter Guards, and the Richland Rifle Club. Units with the Palmetto Regiment fought in every major engagement of the United States to include the war of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War and World Wars I and II.

The 51st ROC received federal recognition Jan. 27, 1947 and designated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 51st Infantry Division. Since their inception, they have been ordered to State duty to assist law enforcement in 1949 to help officials search for a missing individual and again in 1968 as a result of civil unrest.

In 1981, before the unit was even designated as the 251st, the 251st ROC became one of the first South Carolina National Guard units to be assigned to the active component’s Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) when they participated in many major Army and joint task force exercises within the United Stated and throughout the world to include the Joint Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercises with the 101st Airborne Division.

Lt. Col. John Ramsey, commander of the 51st ROC said, “This ceremony is to close out the 51st ROC after many years of support to the state of South Carolina and the nation. It’s a sad moment, but the talented soldiers of the 51st will move forward and keep our slogan in their future units; Pride and Honor in all endeavors.”

Lt. Col. Michael Jones, commander of the 251st ROC said, “We came here to commemorate the hard work and great service of the 251st ROC; to recognize all the countless hours they have put into previous missions and to signify the completion of their final mission. These soldiers have always been ready to support the needs of the state, and they will move forward, ready to support their new units just as well. These soldiers will live our motto forever; Defend the Force.”

Maj. Gen Robert E. Livingston Jr., adjutant general for South Carolina National Guard said, “These great soldiers before me, and their families, are aware of the consistent force in the organization, no matter what the unit is called. You’re always there to do what is necessary to step forward and defend whatever the threat.”

Livingston added, “Thank you for your service and what you have accomplished throughout the unit’s existence. The South Carolina Army National Guard could not have fought any war without you.”

• Date Taken: 05.05.2013
• Date Posted: 05.05.2013 13:57
• Story ID: 106368
• Location: COLUMBIA, SC, US