657th ASG takes helm of LSA Anaconda's Mayor Cell

Photo By Master Sgt. Mark Bell | 657th Area Support Group's Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Young uncases the unit colors with Col. Stephen T. Nakono, commander of the 657th ASG, a Hawaii-based Army Reserve unit, during a Transfer of Authority ceremony held Aug. 29, in LSA Anaconda, just outside Balad, Iraq.  

BALAD, IRAQ

08.29.2006

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Mark Bell 

210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

LSA ANACONDA, Iraq (Aug. 29, 2006) – "Aloha and good morning."

With those words Col. Stephen T. Nakano and the 657th Area Support Group took charge of the logistical support area's Mayor's Cell from the Missouri Army National Guard's 35th Area Support Group during a Transfer of Authority ceremony today.

From housing to force protection, Nakano said the Fort Shafter-based unit traded their sunglasses and sandy beaches of Hawaii, for ballistic goggles and the rocks covering nearly every parking location.

"It is an honor for me to stand here today, commanding and representing the 657th Area Support Group as we take our next step into history and fulfill the destiny of this outstanding unit," Nakano said.

The 657th ASG, an Army Reserve unit from the 9th Regional Readiness Command, spent the past eight months training for a mission that each week will have more than 150,000 people using Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facilities, 24,000 bags of laundry washed, 335,000 meals prepared, 600 tons of trash disposed, and 62,000 people riding the 14 local bus routes, according to the Mayor's Cell.

"We have been tirelessly preparing for the mission," he said about force protection and life support on Anaconda.

Nakano said his Soldiers are ready to meet the master planning objectives for Anaconda.

"We will provide for a better future for all of Soldiers, airmen, sailors, Marines, Department of Defense civilians, contractors and host nationals living and working on Anaconda," he said.

Nakano thanked the 35th Area Support Group commander, Col. Mark W. Hampton, for a transition that would lead his unit to success. "Thank you for the warm Missouri hospitality extended to the 'Warriors from the Pacific Rim,'" he said. "Your willingness to share information about the keys to success in maintaining a safe and secure environment has made for a smooth transition between our units."

The 35th ASG spent the past year changing from a division support command to an area support group, Hampton said.

"You then organized to become a garrison command with the unique mission of keeping LSA Anaconda running smoothly and safely," Hampton said to his troops. "We remained flexible, quick to adapt, and respond to the daily challenges of the unit mission."

Hampton said although his Soldiers aren't newsmakers, door kickers, or spotlighted on the international news, they are making a difference.
"We've helped units be more successful at their own missions by affecting and shaping the environment in which they work," he said.

Nakano closed the ceremony and began his year-long adventure on Anaconda. "Aloha and Maholo," he said.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2006
• Date Posted: 08.29.2006 10:16
• Story ID: 7587
• Location: BALAD, IQ