By the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs Office
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 259th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion assumed authority from the 13th CSSB in a transfer of authority ceremony at Joint Base Balad Sept. 12, 2008.
The change marked the end of a successful 15-month deployment by the 13th CSSB, who will return to their home station at Fort Benning, Ga., and the arrival of the 259th CSSB, an Army Reserve unit stationed in Denver, Colo.
Major accomplishments during the 13th CSSB's deployment included successfully completing more than 1,400 material-handling equipment missions, purifying nearly 48 million gallons of water, and shipping or receiving more than 44,000 containers. The battalion also helped support the mobilization of logistics transition assistance teams, broke ground for a new water storage project, and opened a new mortuary affairs collection point.
Lt. Col. Tim Sullivan, the commander of the 13th CSSB, said his unit supported Soldiers in every unit in Iraq through their efforts.
"We operate probably the single-largest logistics hub in Iraq," said Sullivan, a native of Huntsville, Ala. "The Soldiers out there kicking in doors and securing the safety of the Iraqi people cannot do their job without [us]."
The 259th CSSB, formerly the 259th Quartermaster Battalion, is on their first deployment since being reactivated in 2000. Lt. Col. Marci D. Toler, the 259th CSSB's battalion commander, said the duties handed to her unit are "huge," but that the 259th's Soldiers are ready to accept the responsibility.
"The future for the 259th is to make the mission successful and easier for every one of our Soldiers," said Toler, a native of Greeley, Colo. "We're here to support the line for Soldiers, making sure they have everything they need in theater."
At the conclusion of her acceptance speech, Toler presented Sullivan with an American flag flown above unit headquarters Sept. 11, 2008. Toler said the gift was a reminder of the commitment shown by her predecessor.
"Sept. 11 is the proudest moment to be an American," said Toler. "It's the largest tragedy, but [also] our finest hour and what better way for service members to assume the mantle of responsibility [than] by acknowledging why we are here."