3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) transfers authority to 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Michael Behlin | Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Willie C. Tennant Sr., 3d ESC senior enlisted leader, case the command's colors as they transfer authority to the 13th ESC during a ceremony here today. The ceremony officially marked the end of a 432-day tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for the 3d ESC as they served as the senior logistics command under Multi-National Corps-Iraq.  

BALAD, IRAQ

08.07.2009

Courtesy Story

3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — The 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), commanded by Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, handed over the reins to the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Friday during a transfer of authority ceremony here.

The ceremony officially marked the end of a successful 15-month tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom for the 3d ESC, an active-duty unit from Fort Knox, Ky.

While deployed to Iraq, the 3d ESC served as the senior logistics command under Multi-National Corps-Iraq, providing support to five sustainment brigades and more than 17,000 Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen.

Speaking at the ceremony was Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., Multi-National Corps-Iraq commanding general, who thanked the command for its hard work and diligence to the mission.

"What the Soldiers and leaders of the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) have been able to accomplish this past 15-months has been historic and heroic," said Jacoby. "As I look out at the Soldiers and leaders here and think about all you have done as a team, I'm inspired and I'm invigorated."

"The Sustainers of the 3d ESC have accomplished exactly what we expected," Jacoby continued. "They've done what was needed, when it was needed and then they delivered more."

Since arriving in June 2008, the 3d ESC has accounted for and issued more than $600 million worth of ammunition; facilitated, tracked and issued over $1.5 billion worth of fuel transitioned the Iraqi Transportation Network from a conceptual idea to a viable industry in over 75% of the country, and provided logistical and base life support to over 300,000 Soldiers and civilians across Iraq every day.

While acknowledging the mission was tough, and full of challenges, Lally said overall he was pleased with his units many accomplishments.

"Today we say goodbye to Iraq and to the over 22,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and civilians of the 3d ESC. I would like to thank each of you for your service," said Lally. "The accomplishments of this command were built on the backs and strong hands of its Soldiers. For that — you — the Soldiers of the 3d ESC have my thanks and I consider it a privilege to serve with you and I am honored to be counted among your ranks."

The TOA ceremony also doubled as an awards ceremony for Lally, and 3d ESC senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Major Willie C. Tennant, who were presented the Army's Bronze Star Medal. Under the guidance of the two, the command has developed into one of the Army's premier logistics organizations

• Date Taken: 08.07.2009
• Date Posted: 08.07.2009 11:28
• Story ID: 37254
• Location: BALAD, IQ