CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait — Navy Capt. James Sills assumed command of the Navy Expeditionary Logistics and Support Group Forward JULIET at a change of command ceremony here, July 10.
NAVELSG conducts customs inspections in support of military operations in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and supports the Navy's Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center Warrior Transition Program here.
Sills assumed command from Navy Capt. Marcus McCance, from Bushnell, Ill. Brig. Gen. Mark MacCarley, deputy commanding general, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, praised the work of McCance and all of the Sailors that served during the India rotation.
"Quite simply, without your efforts in protecting the integrity of our shipments of equipment and transportation of equipment from theater to CONUS, the total warfighting effort would be severely impaired" stated MacCarley, "If you, NAVELSG, had not demonstrated so successfully your ability to accomplish these critical tasks in furtherance of redeployment operations, our ability to get out of Iraq consistent with the president's directive could not be assured."
"I am extremely proud of what you have accomplished and the sacrifice you have given," stated Navy Capt. Marcus McCance, former commander, NAVELSG FORWARD INDIA. "It has been my distinct pleasure serving with you."
McCance continued, "India was only able to accomplish these tasks by your being Flexible ... moving in tiger teams where you were need on a moment's notice ... and returning to your home base upon competition ... well done."
Sills, commander, NAVELSG FORWARD JULIET is no stranger to the mission here in Kuwait. He previously served in NAVELSG from 2004-2005.
"During your tenure, there will be no letup in effort, no reduction in requirements, just increasing demands for the quality service that your Sailors have provided for over six years," MacCarley explained. "You will live responsible draw down expected to begin in earnest this coming month and continuing through your months on station. The Navy picked the right man for this overwhelming challenge and I look forward to working with you to execute the critical missions that INDIA and now JULIET have been given."
NAVELSG FORWARD JULIET will now spend the next eight months operating in four different countries conducting customs operations in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.