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JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), commanded by Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, officially took over 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 here Friday, June 20.
The 3d ESC, an active-duty unit based out of Fort Knox, KY, is now the senior logistics headquarters under Multinational Corps-Iraq and is responsible for all logistics operations with the Iraqi theater.
Overall, 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, Brig. Gen. Lally acknowledged the excellent job the unit did while in theater, and in the 3d ESC's train-up to take over command.
"I'd like to start by thanking Brig. Gen. Gregory E. Couch and his team for the great help," Lally said. "From our warning order up to this moment the Soldiers of the 316th has definitely answered the call."
"The 316th has set the bar high and as I've traveled across the area of operations these past few weeks, I've gained a greater appreciation for the scope, breadth, and challenges of their mission," Lally added. "The mission here has always been a challenging one but the 316th team has excelled. "The support they've provided to all the forces answering the call in Iraq has set a standard for all ESC's to follow."
Up until this TOA ceremony, the 3d ESC has endured a rigorous process preparing to enter theater and to conduct this important mission. Since moving to Fort Knox from Germany in July 2007, the unit has been very busy as it cased the colors of the 3d COSCOM, established an Expeditionary Sustainment Command, built a headquarters, relocated families, received personnel, and trained for deployment.
And even though process has been one that could best be described as strenuous, Lally is confident that his unit can answer the call.
"Our command is filled with highly experienced senior leaders and Soldiers that stand ready today to continue this mission," he said. "We know we are a valuable asset in the mission to return Iraq to a state of security and self-sufficiency and we are proud to be a part of this mission and are excited and ready to start."
| Date Taken: | 06.20.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.26.2008 11:05 |
| Story ID: | 21857 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 132 |
| Downloads: | 95 |
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