Sustainers join Pacific Ohana after 8-year mission deviation

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Howell | Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Morrison, the incoming 402nd Army Field Support Brigade command sergeant major, gives the unit colors to the guidon bearer after assuming responsibility for the unit at Historic Palm Circle gazebo, Fort Shafter, Aug. 3. This is the first 402nd change of command and responsibility ceremony held outside of the Army Central Command area of responsibility. The change of command and responsibility signifies the relinquish of control from the outgoing command team to the incoming command team.  

FORT SHAFTER, HI, UNITED STATES

08.03.2015

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Howell 

8th Theater Sustainment Command

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - In October 2006, the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, originally scheduled for activation at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, was activated at Balad Air Base, Iraq, due to mission requirements of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

During the unit’s continuous eight year, nine month support to the Army Central Command as the 402nd, the unit assumed responsibility for Army Field Support Battalions Kuwait and Qatar as well as the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program in Iraq and Kuwait. The LOGCAP provides contingency support to augment the Army force structure.

After their extensive commitment to Army CENTCOM theater-level operations, the unit was finally given the opportunity to join the Pacific Ohana at Fort Shafter, Aug. 3.

“So now the 402nd assumes operations in the pacific command region, including support to units based in Hawaii and Alaska,” said Maj. Gen. Kevin O’Connell, the Commanding General for the Army Sustainment Command. “That is broad geographic region with quite a contrasting climate but I am confident that the 402nd is ready to cover any area of responsibility and take on any new and diverse mission they may be called on to execute.”

The unit uncased its colors and conducted a change of command and change of responsibility where Col. Robert Dawson, the outgoing AFSB commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Cheryl Greene, the outgoing AFSB command sergeant major, relinquished control to Col. Anthony McQueen and Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Morrison, the incoming command team.

This is the first 402nd change of command and responsibility to occur in a garrison environment and to be witnessed by fellow service members, families and friends.

“It is always a privilege to command,” said McQueen. “It is my distinct honor to get this opportunity to lead the 402nd AFSB in its next chapter of its history where we will provide outstanding sustainment support to the soldiers, civilians and families serving in the pacific region.”

As McQueen ended the ceremony, he reemphasized the unit’s commitment to their new mission.

“We step off this field today as one team focused on providing outstanding strategic sustainment support throughout the Pacific region,” said McQueen. “Power forward, on the line, one team.”

• Date Taken: 08.03.2015
• Date Posted: 08.04.2015 17:00
• Story ID: 172159
• Location: FORT SHAFTER, HI, US