Ceremony marks departure of 53rd Transportation Battalion

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, Third Army/ U.S. Army Central commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Verbeke, 53rd Transportation Battalion command sergeant major, add the Global War on Terrorism battle streamer to the 53rd Transportation Battalion flag.The 53rd Transportation Battalion cased it colors in a ceremony Monday in front of the Third Army Headquarters at Fort McPherson. The unit will relocate to fall under the 7th Sustainment Brigade at Fort Eustis, Va. The 53rd Transportation Battalion arrived at Fort McPherson Oct. 29, 1999 and its mission was to provide theater level movement control for Third Army. In that capacity, the 53rd Transportation Battalion proved itself with support during various exercises such as Bright Star in 2001 and Native Atlas and Vigilant Hammer in 2002.The battalion also deployed three times and served as the Coalition Forces Land Component Command's (CFLCC) movement control battalion in Kuwait."It's been a great honor for the 53rd Transportation Battalion to have been a part of Patton's Own, but this move will enable the 53rd to better serve our Army," said Lt. Col. Broc Perkuchin, 53rd Battalion commander before the ceremony.  

05.08.2007

Courtesy Story

U.S. Army Central   

Story by Capt. Jennifer Davis and Sgt. Carlos M. Burger II
53rd Transportation Battalion and Third Army/U.S. Army Central Public Affairs Office

FORT MCPHERSON, Ga. – Twenty Soldiers of the 53rd Transportation Battalion assembled under their flag outside Patton Hall on Fort McPherson, Ga. The Soldiers gathered to honor each other and their unit by participating in a time-honored military tradition. After eight years at here, the flag would fly in Georgia's springtime breeze for the last time. The 53rd Trans. Bn., also known as "Victory Wheels," was moving to a new home and it was time to case their colors.

The "Wheels" battalion cased its colors in a ceremony held 8:30 a.m. Monday in front of the Third Army Headquarters. Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, Third Army/U.S. Army Central commanding general, presided over the ceremony. The unit is relocating to its new home with the 7th Sustainment Brigade at Fort Eustis, Va.

"It's been a great honor for the 53rd Transportation Battalion to have been a part of Patton's Own, but this move will enable the 53rd to better serve our Army," said Lt. Col. Broc Perkuchin, the battalion's commander, before the ceremony.

Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Verbeke, the Victory Battalion's command sergeant major, added moving will provide greater opportunities for enlisted personnel to get the leadership experience they need.

But for some battalion members, the focus of the moment was quite different.

"It's personal for me because I'm retiring this year, so it's my last unit before I get out," said Master Sgt. Emmanuel E. Nwuha, battalion operations noncommissioned officer in charge. "It's good the unit is moving to the transportation corps' home, but everyone here will miss the 53rd at Fort McPherson."

"There's a lot of history leaving here, but I think it will be good [for the unit]," said Sgt Benjie L. Bell, battalion paralegal.

The 53rd Transportation Battalion began its history at Fort McPherson, Oct. 29, 1999 with a mission was to provide theater level movement control for Third Army. In that capacity, the 53rd proved itself with support during various exercises such as Bright Star in 2001, Native Atlas and Vigilant Hammer in 2002, Nwuha said.

The battalion also deployed three times and served as the Coalition Forces Land Component Command's movement control battalion in Kuwait. During their last deployment, the battalion assumed control of numerous movement control teams from the Air Force, and both the active Army and Army Reserve. They also provided oversight for hundreds of contractors supporting the transportation mission, Nwuha said.

In the weeks and months following the battalions last re-deployment, many of the battalion members departed for their next assignments. Their replacements were redirected to Fort Eustis in order to minimize the number of moves families members would have to endure. As a result, the battalion will be arriving at Eustis greatly reduced in personnel strength, Perkuchin said.

Once they arrive at Virginia, the unit will start its new chapter with both uncasing colors and change of command ceremonies. The battalion's mission under its new headquarters will be the same as it was with Third Army. The 53rd will also provide training and readiness oversight for up to eight movement control units. Although the training environment will be different, the deployment locations are likely to be similar. So, there's a high likelihood that the 53rd will work for Third Army again in upcoming exercises and operations, Perkuchin said.

While the Soldiers of the battalion are sad to be leaving Patton's Own, they are excited about the move from Georgia to Virginia. While the casing of the colors represents an end to a long chapter in the battalion's unit history here, Bell feels there is much to look forward to at the battalion's new home and looks forward to the chance to start anew.

"It's almost like being reborn. It's a chance to go somewhere else and do bigger and better things."

• Date Taken: 05.08.2007
• Date Posted: 05.08.2007 08:56
• Story ID: 10281