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By Michael Behlin
3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), commanded by Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, officially took responsibility for the logistics mission in Iraq from the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), commanded by Brig. Gen. Gregory E. Couch, during a transfer of authority ceremony June 20.
The 3d ESC, an active-duty unit based out of Fort Knox, Ky, is now the senior logistics headquarters under Multi-National Corps - Iraq and is responsible for all logistics operations within the Iraqi theater.
The 3d ESC is now in command of five sustainment brigades, one brigade combat teams, one transportation battalion, and 12 combat service support battalions.
Couch was particularly appreciative of the hard work and dedication displayed by these subordinates serving with the 316th for the past year.
"I have never served with a more competent group of commanders. Together we sustained the Corps," Couch said. "You are phenomenal organizations led by great leaders and you never let any coalition forces go without logistical support."
In total, the 3d ESC will be responsible for and oversee more than 20,000 logistics Soldiers, providing support to United States forces, coalition partners and Iraqi forces in theater.
While the 3d ESC's mission in Iraq will be similar to that of the 316th ESC's, Lally acknowledged the excellent job the 316th did while in theater, and in helping with the 3d ESC's train-up to take over command.
"This transition would not have been possible without the outstanding support," Lally said. "Your deliberate and diligent battle handover has allowed us to take the reins at full-speed."
"To the Servicemembers, civilians, and coalition partners of our team: I first want to say what a privilege it is to serve with you," Lally added. "We have a diverse team and vitally important mission. Each one of you is critical to our success."
Reviewing the ceremony was Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin, III, XVIII Airborne and Multi-National Corps - Iraq commander, who acknowledged a job well done by the 316th ESC.
"We recognize the 316th for doing a terrific job in theater. They met and surpassed all expectations placed upon them," Austin said. "Two years ago this unit did not even exist, but went from a unit with just a commander and guidon to a fully functional unit prepared to deploy."
Leading up to this TOA ceremony, the 3d ESC endured a rigorous process preparing to enter theater and to conduct this important mission. Since moving to Fort Knox from Germany in June 2007, the unit has been very busy as it cased the color of the 3d COSCOM, established an expeditionary sustainment command, built a headquarters, relocated families, received personnel, and trained for deployment.
And even though the mission at hand is challenging, Lally is confident that his unit can answer the call.
"We all need to be focused on the progress that we can and must make toward the goal of making Iraq secure and self-sufficient. That is why we have been sent here," Lally said. The 3d ESC has a vital role in helping to reach that goal. If we fail in our logistics mission, our fellow service members will lack the ability to do their part to help Iraq move forward. But if we succeed in our mission, as I am sure we will, we can leave Iraq knowing we have delivered not only supplies, but also progress to a deserving and proud people."
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| Date Taken: | 06.20.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.20.2008 15:22 |
| Story ID: | 20687 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 126 |
| Downloads: | 103 |
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