Combat Support Hospital transfers authority

Photo By Bethany Huff | Col. Bruce Syvinski, the commander of the 86th Combat Support Hospital, addresses the audience about the upcoming mission of the 86th CSH, during the transfer of authority ceremony, in the Zone 1 Fitness Center, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, May 5. Syvinski talked about the upcoming mission of his team and how they plan to exceed expectations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Bethany Huff, ARCENT Public Affairs)  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

05.05.2017

Story by Sgt. Bethany Huff 

U.S. Army Central   

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Soldiers of the 31st Combat Support Hospital transferred authority of the United States Military Hospital-Kuwait to the 86th Combat Support Hospital during a ceremony in the Zone 1, at Camp Arifjan, May 5.
“I’ve led a phenomenal team here,” said Col. George Kyle, the commander of the 31st CSH. “Our team has done an outstanding job here; and I’m rightfully proud.”
The 31st CSH cased their colors as they transferred their authority to the 86th CSH. While working at the U.S. Military Hospital-Kuwait, the Soldiers provided services such as combat stress control, veterinary services, preventative medicine, and dental services.
“We were able to get the job done despite of the limited resources … and provide healthcare to more than 10,000 Soldiers,” said Kyle, a Canton, Ohio, native.
The transfer of authority marks a very significant change for the 31st CSH as they prepare to go home. The unit will reflag as a field hospital upon returning home, meaning that this deployment will be the last for the combat support hospital.
“Adaptability is the key to success, and my Soldiers have proven that time and time again,” Kyle said.
“We’re better able to change, because we’ve changed along the way during this mission,” he said.
The flexibility in changing and adapting is the advice Kyle leaves with the incoming command team Col. Bruce Syvinski, the commander of the 86th CSH, and Command Sgt. Maj. Daryl Forsythe, the command sergeant major of the 86th CSH.
“Every single CSH that has come to this mission, has left it better than the team before,” stated Kyle.
The ceremony conducted in the Zone 1 Fitness Center, allowed for the two units to officially case the colors of the 31st CSH and uncase the colors of the 86th CSH. During the ceremony, one Soldier collapsed within the formation. True to the spirit of a combat medic, the phantom medics of the 31st CSH rushed to his aid without disrupting the ceremony and ensured that one of their own was properly taken care of.
“My Soldiers are always ready,” stated Kyle. “Whether that be on the battlefield or for one of our own, we’re always ready.”

• Date Taken: 05.05.2017
• Date Posted: 05.09.2017 08:16
• Story ID: 233107
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW
• Hometown: CANTON, OH, US