316th Change of Command Ceremony

Photo By Maj. Damien Riggins | Incoming commander of the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) COL John D. Rhodes stands in front of his troops for the first time alongside 316th ESC CSM Jason E. Goodman.  

MOON TOWNSHIP, PA, UNITED STATES

08.12.2023

Story by Capt. Damien Riggins 

316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Moon Township, PA -- On Saturday, August 12, Soldiers, colleagues, and friends of the 316th Sustainment Command Expeditionary gathered to welcome Colonel John D. Rhodes as the new commander and bid farewell to Brigadier General Jake S. Kwon during a change of command ceremony held at the 911th Air Wing.

Brig. Gen. Jake S. Kwon, Commander, 316th ESC relinquishes command and authority after two years to incoming commander Col. John D. Rhodes. The change of command ceremony is one esteemed with tradition where the outgoing commander symbolically relinquishes command and authority by passing the unit’s colors to the incoming commander, thus beginning a new era of leadership for the incoming commander and the unit. The ceremony also highlighted the distinguished careers of both the outgoing and incoming commanders.

Brig. Gen. Jake S. Kwon graduated from Vanderbilt University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. He commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps as a Quartermaster Officer and currently holds the specialties of Logistics and Strategic Intelligence. Brig. Gen. Kwon’s command assignments include the 77th Sustainment Brigade, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey; the 378th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania; the 5th Battalion (Ordnance), 80th Regiment in Abingdon, Maryland; the Headquarters Detachment, Joint Reserve Element (J-9), Defense Logistics Agency at Fort Belvoir, Virginia and Deputy Commander of the 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

Brig. Gen Kwon diligently fostered a culture of excellence and readiness within the 316th ESC during his tenure. His steadfast leadership propelled the unit to successfully execute training exercises, enhance partnerships with the locals of Pittsburgh, and maintain a high state of readiness. In his farewell speech, Kwon expressed his gratitude to the Soldiers, civilians and families for their unwavering support and dedication. “To all the Soldiers here today, thank you for continuing to get after training, and maintaining a positive attitude. Your hard work is evident, and you should be PROUD! Be sure to thank your families and employers – they are the ones that support you as you balance the unique challenge of being a Citizen-Soldier, “Kwon said.

Col. Rhodes, a graduate from University of Alabama and a distinguished officer with a wealth of experience, will take command of the 316th for the next two years. He honed his exceptional leadership skills through a series of command assignments, ranging from 3rd Transportation Brigade, Fort Belvoir, VA; the 257th Movement Control Battalion in Gainesville, Florida; the 196th Transportation Battalion (PLS), Orlando, Florida; and Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) 32nd Transportation Group, Tampa, Florida.

Col. Rhodes commitment to lifelong learning is evident through his extensive military education. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He attended Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Alabama A&M University and commissioned through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps as an Engineer officer. Col. Rhodes spent most of his career serving as a Transportation officer and multi-functional logistician.
“I am totally committed to the citizen Soldier concept, which has forged me into who I am today,” said Rhodes. “I plan to cultivate and provide this noble “way of life” model to as many current and future Soldiers as I can during my tenure.” He said.

Soldiers and leaders stand ready for Col. Rhodes guidance and leadership. His vast experience gives confidence to the Soldiers that he will uphold the unit’s legacy of excellence and readiness in the years ahead.

• Date Taken: 08.12.2023
• Date Posted: 08.14.2023 12:09
• Story ID: 451319
• Location: MOON TOWNSHIP, PA, US
• Hometown: PITTSBURGH, PA, US