Supporting the sword once again

10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office
Story by Sgt. Michael Selvage

Date: 03.02.2014
Posted: 03.03.2014 06:51
News ID: 121404

CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – Task Force Hannibal, 524th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, relinquished authority to Task Force Sword, 548th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, from Fort Drum, N.Y., during a transfer of authority ceremony here March 2.

TF Hannibal completed a nine-month deployment sustaining U.S. and coalition forces in Regional Command North in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“Their success is a testament to the leadership qualities of this fine command team and reflects the high quality of these outstanding soldiers,” said Col. Willie Rios III, 10th Sustainment Brigade commander. “Their span of influence across this battlefield has been extraordinary.”

TF Hannibal’s list of accomplishments include approximately 19 million gallons of fuel managed, 462,597 cases of bottled water issued, 143 convoy operations executed and more than 2,250 maintenance work orders completed for all types of equipment.

“Over the past nine months, the soldiers of the 524th acquitted themselves honorably providing unimpeded sustainment support to U.S. and coalition forces,” said Lt. Col. Jim Droppleman, 524th CSSB commander.

Rios said the Hannibal team has set the bar high, but he knows the Sword team is more than capable of accomplishing the mission.

The mission has changed for TF Sword since the last time the battalion was deployed, 13 months ago, but the soldiers, officers and noncommissioned officers are eager to attack the tasks at hand.

“We’ll continue to provide the highest level of support to ensure nothing fails due to logistics,” said Lt. Col. Jim Turner, 548th CSSB commander. “Because we’re expert Soldiers and master logisticians.”

The 548th CSSB trained alongside the 10th SBDE during various exercises at Fort Drum which solidified the professional working relationship of the teams.

“These soldiers are disciplined, skilled and trained warfighters,” said Rios. “They will provide unparalleled sustainment and retrograde support within RC-North.”

TF Sword’s arrival is a welcomed one among some soldiers and leaders.

“I look forward to continue serving alongside these warriors,” said Rios.