'Heart of the Rock' transfers authority to 16th Sustainment Brigade

Courtesy Photo | Col. Martin B. Pitts, commander of the 16th Sustainment Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Spencer, the senior enlisted member of the 16th Sustainment Brigade, unroll their brigade's colors at a transfer of authority ceremony at Forward Operating Base Q-West, Aug. 9, 2008.  

QAYYARAH, IRAQ

08.09.2008

Courtesy Story

3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

By the 3rd Sustainment Command

FORWARD OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq – The 3rd Sustainment Brigade, under the leadership of Col. Darrell K. Williams, transitioned its mission in Multi-National Division - North to the 16th Sustainment Brigade, led by Col. Martin B. Pitts, during a transfer of authority ceremony, Aug. 9, 2008, at Forward Operating Base Q-West, Iraq.

The ceremony marked the end of a highly successful 15-month tour for the 3rd SB, a Fort Stewart, Ga. unit and the arrival of the 16th SB from Bamberg, Germany. The 16th SB, on its first deployment, is the only U.S. Army sustainment brigade in Europe.

Brig. Gen. Mike Lally, the commanding general of the 3d Sustainment Command and reviewing officer for the ceremony, reminded the audience of the 3rd SB's achievements; Lally also spoke of how important 16th SB's ability to maintain focus on the mission would be.

"Transitions of Authority mark the end of a challenging and successful mission," said Lally. "It's also a time to reflect on the gravity and breadth of your unit's impact on our success in Iraq. For the incoming unit, it's an official assumption of a vital mission and an important mental shift from a mindset of preparation to one of execution."

The 3rd SB, operating as the logistical headquarters for Multi-National Division-North, successfully supported 13 brigade-sized units with forces totaling over 70,000 service members, contractors, and Department of Defense civilians. The 3rd SB also drove over 3,700 combat logistical patrols, pushed nearly 134 million gallons of fuel from fuel farms at Q-West, Camp Marez, and Contingency Operating Base Speicher.

After welcoming his "new best friends" from the 16th, Williams gave thanks to everyone in attendance as well as the "nameless" individuals who serve on all lines of the battlefront. He singled out Soldiers who lost their lives fighting on behalf of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Williams said in a separate interview that logistical support serves as an enabler to the successful transition of Iraq back to its citizens.

"Logistics helps this campaign in two ways," said Williams. "We are critical in assisting our fighting forces as they reposition themselves to the battlefield."

"We also are setting the condition for Iraqis to better themselves by training the Iraqis how to build and sustain supplies so they can support their military logistical forces better in the future."

Pitts' speech emphasized his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead for his Soldiers. Pitts also expressed his regard for the outgoing unit's accomplishments and their hospitality. "I am humbled and blessed by the opportunity to command this unit during combat operations and am honored by the opportunity we have been given to break new ground and forge the storied history of the 16th Sustainment Brigade."

• Date Taken: 08.09.2008
• Date Posted: 08.09.2008 13:34
• Story ID: 22313
• Location: QAYYARAH, IQ