Task Force Sinai Change of Command

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. Kenneth S. Dowd, commander, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, passes the unit colors to Col. Michael J. Johnson, the incoming Task Force Sinai commander, during a change of command ceremony held on North Camp, Sinai, Egypt, July 28. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Vandiver)  

EL GORAH, EGYPT

07.28.2010

Courtesy Story

1st Theater Sustainment Command

EL GORAH, Egypt – Members of the Multinational Force and Observers assembled at the 1st Support Battalion Parade Field, July 28, to honor one officer’s service to the organization and welcome another during the Task Force Sinai change of command ceremony.

Col. Michael J. Johnson accepted command of Task Force Sinai from Col. James B. Mingo during the ceremony.

As the senior American in the Force, Johnson will also serve as the chief of staff for the Multinational Force and Observers. The chief of staff coordinates and directs all staff actions within the Force and is second in command of the Force in the Force Commander’s absence. As the TFS commander, Johnson will oversee command and control for the all U.S. Army units in the Sinai.

Maj. Gen. Kenneth S. Dowd, commander of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command praised the outgoing TFS commander during his speech to those in attendance. “Col. Mingo will be leaving behind an outstanding organization, well trained and positioned for future successes,” said Dowd. “His efforts have garnered recognition as evident in his follow on assignment, Col. Mingo is headed to Washington to serve on the Army staff,” added Dowd.

Lt. Gen. William G. Webster, the Third Army commander, also had praise for Mingo’s accomplishments as chief of staff for the MFO and Task Force Sinai commander. “It’s no accident that this has been the most successful peacekeeping mission that our nations have been involved with, and Col. Mingo’s leadership and expertise has contributed greatly to that,” said Webster.

Johnson brings a wealth of experience to the mission gained from multiple combat deployments and operational assignments over the course of his career. After taking command, he addressed his troops.

“To the Soldiers of Task Force Sinai, it is an honor to become part of your team,” said Johnson. “This is a diverse unit with a proven track record, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that the disciplined Soldiers of this organization are prepared each and everyday to accomplish the mission,” he added.

Johnson joins the task force after an assignment at the Center for Army Leadership at Fort Leavenworth. He is a native of Columbus, Ohio and a graduate of the United States Military Academy.

• Date Taken: 07.28.2010
• Date Posted: 08.03.2010 11:24
• Story ID: 53887
• Location: EL GORAH, EG