CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - In a transfer of authority ceremony, the 266th Ordnance Detachment officially assumed responsibility of the ammunition supply mission from the 221st Ordnance Detachment Saturday, Feb. 23, at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
The 266th OD, a Army Reserve unit based out of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, will provide ammunition support to the U.S. Central Command’s areas of responsibility in a timely and effective manner in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“This is one of the few sustainment operations in Kuwait that is actually done by Army soldiers; not contractors,” said Lt. Col James Groark, commander of the 191st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. “This mission was an excellent challenge for a reserve component to test their mettle when it comes to conducting a full spectrum ammunition operation.”
According to Capt. Luis Gonzalez, commander of the 266th OD, native of Aguada, Puerto Rico, they are more than ready to take on this mission.
“I feel confident with my team,” said Gonzalez. “They are skilled and motivated to continue the fine work the 221st has done.”
According to 1st Lt. Phillip Hascher, commander of the 221st OD, an Army Reserve unit based out of Fort Wayne, Ind., his soldiers handled more than 200 million dollars worth of ammunition, collected more than 50 million rounds of unserviceable ammunition and drove more than 12,000 miles for various missions during their nine months on mission.
“I am proud of my guys and consider it a privilege to have been their commander,” said Hascher. “They worked hard, making the job of leaders a lot easier.”
The 266th OD will spend approximately nine months on deployment at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to continue the mission in providing ammunition support for Operation Enduring Freedom.