KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Soldiers with the 117th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, New Jersey National Guard, relinquished responsibility of sustainment operations in Afghanistan’s Regional Command-South to the 495th CSSB, Montana National Guard, after completing a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Jan. 5.
Lt. Col. Paul Rumberger and Command Sgt. Maj. Hermenegildo Devarie, 117th CSSB command team, cased their unit colors at Kandahar Airfield during an official transfer of authority ceremony.
Upon their arrival to Afghanistan nine months ago, Rumberger said he challenged his troops with the task of joining fellow U.S. and Coalition Forces to sustain the war-fighters, anticipate shortfalls and mitigate logistical choke-points.
“I now stand before you to report, ‘challenge met,’” he said during his outgoing speech to distinguished guests and soldiers in attendance.
The 117th CSSB maintained constant operational responsibility for the largest tactical multiclass supply support activity in Afghanistan. The team completed more than 400 tactical combat missions and traveled more than 500,000 tactical miles.
“They personified what it means to be a selfless supporter and logistician,” said Col. Ron Novack, 3rd Sustainment Brigade commander and reviewing officer for the transfer of authority ceremony. “Task Force Trenton leaves behind a sterling support reputation throughout RC-S, and it’s one they should be professionally proud of.”
The 495th CSSB unfurled their colors previously encased when they departed Kalispell, Mont.
“We would like to welcome the 495th CSSB from the ‘Big Sky State’ to the ‘Provider’ team…Let’s get hot,” Novack said.
The 495th is no stranger to the 3rd Sustainment Bde. The staff headquarters element trained with the providers during their final mission command post exercise at Fort Stewart, Ga., this past summer.
Lt. Col. Kevin Settle, 495th battalion commander, thanked Novack and the providers for setting his team up for mission success during their pre-deployment preparations.
“It is an honor for the citizen soldiers of the 495th CSSB to be part of historic operations in Afghanistan,” Settle added.